Renowned Marseille-based architect and engineer Rudy Ricciotti, winner of the Grand National Prize for Architecture and designer of the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MuCEM), shares his vision for urban development in France's second-largest city. In a recent interview, Ricciotti emphasized the importance of preservation over transformation, advocating for maintaining existing urban structures as cultural heritage rather than pursuing radical changes.
When asked which public space in Marseille he would choose to transform if given complete authority over the city, Ricciotti offered a surprisingly conservative approach. "It's not about changing things, it's just about maintaining and improving these public spaces, renovating them," he explained. The architect painted a relatively positive picture of Marseille's current state, describing it as "a city that breathes and isn't as unfortunate as people think." He drew comparisons to economically devastated northern French cities, suggesting that Marseille's residents should appreciate what they have rather than focus on perceived shortcomings.
Addressing concerns about climate change and its impact on urban living, particularly regarding intensifying heat waves and drought conditions, Ricciotti demonstrated a pragmatic approach to environmental adaptation. During the interview, conducted in a building without air conditioning, he pointed out that neither he nor the interviewer was uncomfortable despite the heat. "If it gets hot, we open the windows. That's reality," he stated, advocating for natural adaptation methods rather than technological dependence. He criticized the tendency to seek protection "like children" and emphasized the importance of human adaptation to changing environmental conditions.
Regarding the question of whether climate adaptation requires a return to vernacular architecture, Ricciotti firmly rejected this approach. "No, I don't believe so," he responded, emphasizing Marseille's identity as a 19th-century European city with established urban values. He dismissed the idea of creating what he called a "puppet show" city, arguing that such approaches are fundamentally flawed. Instead, he advocates for finding practical solutions to limit emissions while preserving the architectural and cultural integrity of the existing urban fabric.
Ricciotti's philosophy centers on conservation and thoughtful renovation rather than dramatic transformation. His approach reflects a broader debate about urban planning in the face of climate challenges, where preservation of cultural heritage must be balanced with environmental necessities. The architect's perspective offers a counterpoint to more radical urban planning proposals, suggesting that cities like Marseille can address future challenges while maintaining their historical character and architectural identity.
