Nice 2006: the city is caught in the trap of never-ending construction. The lines of red and white bollards that border many city center streets have now become an integral part of the scenery. The transformation is lengthy, and the inhabitants, exasperated, are gradually losing hope of ever seeing the brilliance of the ancient city resurface from these heaps of rubble. The ranks of the tramway opponents are swelling as the weeks of delays accumulate.
In the midst of this atmosphere of ‘general grumbling’, the city hall has been displaying, since mid-June and until September 15th, its urban planning scheme in order to calm spirits. A few of you have ventured through the doors of the architecture and urban planning forum of Old Nice, at Pierre Gautier Square. For everyone else, here is what a day in the life of a young resident of Nice could look like in 2009.
Nice 2009: It’s 9 AM; Léo, a master’s student in psychology at the University of Saint Jean d’Angely, wakes up in one of the rooms of the new student residence located on the outskirts of the new university buildings. In three years, the neighborhood has been revitalized and has become a real mini-campus with its shops, bars, cafeterias, and worthy pedestrian paths. After two hours of classes, the young man heads to the university’s tram stop to meet friends at Place Garibaldi. Since the launch of the first tram line in Nice, it seems inconceivable for Léo to consider driving downtown. Although the urban development works have greatly helped in reducing traffic on the outskirts of Nice, the heart of the city still faces the same traffic and parking issues. Consequently, more and more people are using the tram, especially since this ultra-modern public transport system offers exemplary comfort and safety.
At the Garibaldi stop, Léo is slightly early and will have to wait about ten minutes for the others; but that’s okay because it’s the perfect opportunity to visit the archaeological site of Tour Pairolière. Discovered during the construction of the tramway tracks, these remnants of old ramparts, dating back to the city’s fortification, have been preserved under a huge concrete slab, which now houses a free mini museum open to all. Having been notified by phone, Léo finally meets his friends at Place Masséna. The space is large; automata and troubadours have found their stage and entertain the passers-by. Léo’s friends are waiting for him on a bench by the cool mist of the large fountain. From there, they take the tram to a large store on Jean Médecin Avenue. The shops have never been as successful, with access greatly facilitated by public transport.
It’s now 3 PM; after a shopping afternoon spent downtown, Léo and his friends head to Old Nice. Here, not much has changed, which they quite appreciate. Likely, the evening will start either at Place Garibaldi or along the Paillon Promenade, which, in the past two years, has become the rendezvous point for the young people of Nice. Each evening, they arrive by tram from all corners of the city before heading back to the historic center. And if the party continues until morning, there will still be time to watch the sunrise from the new nautical base at the port. Simply put, just another typical day. Pity that Léo’s cousin, who lives further west, still has to juggle bus schedules and couldn’t join them tonight. Eagerly waiting for the construction of the second tram line to be completed.
This simulation is certainly enticing. It is, after all, the future vision proposed by the exhibition currently held at the city’s architecture and urban planning forum. In reality, however, particularly due to delays in construction, things might turn out quite differently. Nevertheless, let’s remain hopeful; for all the optimists, here are a few additional links:
the official tram site
the 10 urban projects for Nice, tomorrow
virtual simulation of the tram journey
