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MOKAZINE / NO 3 / 2021
Samuel de Gersigny : Our trademark is mixed use, with the aim to cover the widest possible range
of uses. We hence seek to reduce the distance between home and workplace. Where do most Mauritian people work? In Port Louis and Ebene. Where do they live? In the Plaines Wilhems. Travel is concentrated on a single route, the M1 motorway, which is under pressure from traffic. It is therefore relevant to have a mixed-use city centre with residential, office, shopping, healthcare, education and sports facilities. Mixed-use is a first advantage, but there is also the location close to other urban centres and connection to both the M1 and M3 motorways.
You support the establishment of a “vibrant city”. What does this entail?
Gabrielle Brun : It’s a city where people enjoy living together. A vibrant city, which could mean a lot of things. For some, it may mean going out for a drink at their favourite outdoor bar. For others, it may mean going to an exhibition or a concert. For others still, it could mean shopping, relaxing in a park or simply sitting on a bench and enjoying the bustle of activity. A vibrant city is about inhabited streets. It’s all in the layout: a pedestrian-friendly city is livelier and encourages people to go out.
Samuel de Gersigny : Yes, it’s the users who make the city. Telfair will be Moka’s densest and most vibrant neighbourhood. Special attention will be paid to livening up the area.
Gabrielle Brun : The public space is also part of the architecture, but it’s an urban area without a roof. We get bored with empty spaces. If they are arranged properly, there will be many things happening.
What can we expect in terms of architecture?
Gabrielle Brun : A hallmark will be the creation of architecture that interacts with public spaces, contributes to their formalisation with ground floors that open onto the streets to foster a community spirit. A lot of work has been done to promote urban comfort. The idea is not just to “look modern” but also to really
to contribute to people’s well-being
with amenities that make them feel
good: pedestrian streets, shaded spaces, welcoming benches, soft lighting. The goal is to create a pleasant and welcoming neighbourhood, a place where people want to spend time.
Samuel de Gersigny : This evokes the notion of city users, which is not limited to the people who live there. The users are also the people who come into the city for work, shopping or to go out. You can enjoy life in the city without actually living there, and this is very important. This means that it belongs to all Mauritian people and to the whole island.
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