Figure 1.
![A bird’s eye view of ZAC Boucicaut, source: author using Google Maps [18]](https://sciendo-parsed.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/647070a983f1392090d69885/j_acee-2022-005_fig_001.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=AKIA6AP2G7AKOUXAVR44%2F20251206%2Feu-central-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20251206T062131Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Signature=80a51e9f60df9925a8d26c0981a8f905bcaee1ae0e1800ff63f2799120b29bc5&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject)
Figure 2.
![Map of ZAC Boucicaut shows close walking distance to public parks: Square Duranton – approx. 4 min, and Park André Citroën – approx. 12 min, source: author using Google Maps[18]](https://sciendo-parsed.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/647070a983f1392090d69885/j_acee-2022-005_fig_002.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=AKIA6AP2G7AKOUXAVR44%2F20251206%2Feu-central-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20251206T062131Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Signature=99bcb42922e8ea66f0455e7a6bcfedd04814d6992bd176286a2ccd43ac218275&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject)
Figure 3.
![A bird’s eye view of ZAC Frequel-Fontarabe, source: author using Google Maps [22]](https://sciendo-parsed.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/647070a983f1392090d69885/j_acee-2022-005_fig_003.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=AKIA6AP2G7AKOUXAVR44%2F20251206%2Feu-central-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20251206T062131Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Signature=2eb41a62d22fc7ca1e3f69e431e81712462cac422d0ddbd56bf1716afbc6fd94&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject)
Figure 4.
![Map of ZAC Frequel-Fontarabe. Walking distance to pocket parks: both Rue Vitruve and Jardin naturel Pierre-Emanuel is approx. 4 min, and to Jardin Casque d’Or les Haies is approx. 6 min, source: author using Google Maps [22]](https://sciendo-parsed.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/647070a983f1392090d69885/j_acee-2022-005_fig_004.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=AKIA6AP2G7AKOUXAVR44%2F20251206%2Feu-central-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20251206T062131Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Signature=c703694e099ac23ff23a0ce2330b5747a473452e3c3a7cc5bba3202704d23b7d&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject)
Figure 5.
Figure 6.
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Assessment of ZAC Boucicaut and ZAC Frequel-Fontarabe, Paris – part 4, source: author
| Table 5. ZAC Boucicaut, Paris – part 4 | POINTS | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4. DESIGN | 21/21 | 20/21 | ||
| 4.1. Architectural design | ||||
| Human scale | That is a strong point of ZAC Boucicaut, which was desiged in human scale | desiged in human scale | 1 | 1 |
| Focal points and landmarks | Recognizable landmarks, monuments, sculptures and buildings | Recognizable landmarks, monuments, sculptures and buildings. | 1 | 1 |
| Structure of interior connections | A clear structure of interior connections | A clear structure of interior connections | 1 | 1 |
| Framed views | Natural frames are created by mature trees | Urban design create framed views | 1 | 1 |
| Long vistas (Extent) | Urban composition offers numerous extensive vistas | Urban composition offers numerous extensive vistas | 1 | 1 |
| Pathways with views | There are many paths which offer interesting views | There are many paths which offer interesting views | 1 | 1 |
| Invisible parts of the scenery (Vistas which engage the imagination) | Numerous designed vistas which engage the imagination | Numerous designed vistas which engage the imagination | 1 | 1 |
| Possibility to observe other people | Plenty of places to watch the activities of other people from a distance. | Plenty of places to watch the activities of other people from a distance. | 1 | 1 |
| Possibility to observe animals | Limited possibility to observe animals living in urban environment | Limited possibility to observe animals living in urban environment | 1 | 1 |
| 4.2. Salutogenic design | ||||
| Optimal levels of complexity | Yes, ZAC Boucicaut and its vicinity offer optimal levels of complexity | Yes, ZAC Frequel-Fontarabe and its vicinity offer optimal levels of complexity | 1 | 1 |
| Architectural Variety | Each new building was designed by a different architect | Each new building was designed by a different architect | 1 | 1 |
| Engaging features | There are multiple elements which attract attention | There are multiple elements which attract attention | 1 | 1 |
| Controlled Risk | Sensory paths in Park André Citroën | Wooden paths in Jardin de Vitaly and other parks | 1 | 1 |
| Mystery/Fascination | Presence of historic monuments can be fascinating | Presence of street art, historic street names, etc. can be fascinating | 1 | 1 |
| Movement | Foliage of plants in the wind, waterworks in Park André Citroën | Foliage of plants in the wind, water in Jardin Naturel | 1 | 1 |
| 4.3. Sensory stimuli design | ||||
| Sensory stimuli: Sight | compositions of colourful plants which are offering seasonal interests, colourful street furniture | compositions of colourful plants which are offering seasonal interests, colourful street furniture | 1 | 1 |
| Sensory stimuli: Hearing | sounds of waterworks in Park André Citroën, sounds of birds and animals living in the urban environment, sounds of plants shimmering in the wind | sounds of birds and animals living in the urban environment, sounds of plants shimmering in the wind | 1 | 1 |
| Sensory stimuli: Smell | Scent of plants: flowers, leaves, etc. | Scent of plants: flowers, leaves, etc. | 1 | 1 |
| Sensory stimuli: Touch | Various textures of plants, water-works in Park André Citroën | Various textures of plants | 1 | 1 |
| Sensory stimuli: Taste | Food and drinks, which can be bought in restaurants, cafes, food stands, etc. | Food and drinks, which can be bought in restaurants, cafes, food stands, etc. | 1 | 1 |
| Sensory path | Yes – in Park André Citroën | No | 1 | 0 |
Assessment of ZAC Boucicaut and ZAC Frequel-Fontarabe, Paris – part 2, source: author
| Table 3. ZAC Boucicaut, Paris – part 2 | POINTS | POINTS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2. ACCESSIBILITY | 26/26 | 26/26 | ||
| 2.1 Distance to park | ||||
| There is a centrally located small park – reminescece of Hospital Boucicaut gardens. Larger urban parks – Square Duranton and Park André Citroën are within walking distance (15 minutes) | There is a centrally located small pocket park Jardin de Vitaly. Small pocket parks, one localted at the Place de la Reunion (rue Vitruve) and Jardin naturel Pierre-Emanuel and Jardin Casque d’Or les Haies are located within walking distance (15 minutes) | 1 | 1 | |
| 2.2 Sidewalk Infrastructure- | ||||
| Width of sidewalk | Sufficient for walking, pathways are wide and even | Sufficient for walking, some paths are narrow | 1 | 1 |
| Evenness of surface | Comfortable for walking, no obstacles | Comfortable for walking, some streets are cobbled | 1 | 1 |
| Lack of obstructions | Majority of terrain is universally accessible | Majority of terrain is universally accessible. There are some impasses. | 1 | 1 |
| Slope | gentle slope comfortable for walking | gentle to moderate slope | 1 | 1 |
| Sufficient drainage | Sufficient | Sufficient | 1 | 1 |
| 2.3 General conditions of walkways | ||||
| Maintenance | Regularly cleaned | Regularly cleaned | 1 | 1 |
| Overall aesthetics | Comfortable for walking, aestethicaly pleasing | Comfortable for walking, aestethicaly pleasing | 1 | 1 |
| Street art | Yes | Yes, interesting street art | 1 | 1 |
| Sufficient seating | May be perceived as sufficient | May be perceived as sufficient | 1 | 1 |
| Perceived safety | Safe neighbourhood, presence of guards, policeman, etc. | Safe neighbourhood, presence of guards, policeman, etc. | 1 | 1 |
| Buffering from traffic | Sufficient buffering by street greenery, street furniture, etc. | Sufficient buffering by street greenery, street furniture, etc. | 1 | 1 |
| Street activities | Occasionaly organised street activities | Occasionaly organised street activities | 1 | 1 |
| Vacant lots | No vacant lots | No vacant lots | 1 | 1 |
| 2.4 Traffic | ||||
| Speed | Slow traffic, comfortable for pedestrians | Slow traffic, comfortable for pedestrians | 1 | 1 |
| Volume | Comfortable for pedestrians | Comfortable for pedestrians | 1 | 1 |
| Number and safety of crossings | Numerous possibilities for safe crossing of the street | Numerous possibilities for safe crossing of the street | 1 | 1 |
| Stop signs | Yes | Yes | 1 | 1 |
| On-street parking | Yes, on-street parking is permited | Yes, on-street parking is permited | 1 | 1 |
| 2.5 User Experience | ||||
| Air quality | Comfortable, no perceptable nuisance | Comfortable, no perceptable nuisance | 1 | 1 |
| Noise level | Comfortable, moderate urban noise | Comfortable, moderate urban noise | 1 | 1 |
| Sufficient lighting | Yes, the streets are well-lit, public parks are closed after dusk | Yes, the streets are well-lit, public parks are closed after dusk | 1 | 1 |
| Sunshine and shade | User can find places to rest in the sunshine and in the shade | User can find places to rest in the sunshine and in the shade | 1 | 1 |
| Visibility of nearby buildings | Good visibility of nearby buildings | Good visibility of nearby buildings | 1 | 1 |
| 2.6 Public transports stops | ||||
| Within walking distance, comfortable waiting places | Within walking distance, comfortable waiting places | 1 | 1 | |
| 2.7 Sufficient Parking | ||||
| On-street parking for visitors, underground parking for the inhabitants | On-street parking for visitors, underground parking for the inhabitants | 1 | 1 | |
Assessment of ZAC Boucicaut and ZAC Frequel-Fontarabe, Paris – part 5, source: author
| Table 6. ZAC Boucicaut, Paris – part 5 | POINTS | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5. PLACEMAKING | 13/13 | 13/13 | ||
| 5.1 Social Contact Enhancement | ||||
| Organization of events | Multiple events, sport challenges, etc. are organised. Public parks offer possibilities to organise events. | Multiple events are organised. | 1 | 1 |
| Meeting places for groups | Yes, especialy in Park André Citroën, but also within ZAC Boucicaut there are numerous places where groups can meet. | Limited places for group meetings in open public space, public infrastructure offers indoor meeting places | 1 | 1 |
| 5.2 Human perception - spiritual & symbolic | ||||
| Sacred places | Nearby churches and religious centers | Nearby churches and religious centers | 1 | 1 |
| Works of Art | Yes, there are some sculptures and works of art located in public open space | Yes, there are some sculptures and works of art located in public open space | 1 | 1 |
| Monuments | Yes, the remaining historic buildings of Hospital Boucicaut which were preserved in unchanged form | the remaining historic buildings were preserved | 1 | 1 |
| Culture and connections to the past | Yes, historic buildings, preserved old trees, historic street names | Yes, historic buildings, historic street names | 1 | 1 |
| Thematic gardens | Yes, there are numerous thematic gardens in Park André Citroën | Yes, Jardin naturel | 1 | 1 |
| Personalization | Limited possibility of personalisation, only within the community gardens | Limited possibility of personalisation, only within the community gardens | 1 | 1 |
| 5.3 Community Engagement | ||||
| Personalising the architectural process | Yes, there were meetings and workshops organised for all stakeholders | Yes, there were meetings and workshops organised for all stakeholders | 1 | 1 |
| Participation of all stakeholders, including inhabitants and users | Yes, ZAC Boucicaut was designed using the Integrated Design Process, all stakeholders participated | Yes, ZAC was designed using the Integrated Design Process, all stakeholders participated | 1 | 1 |
| Determining the rules of conduct and self-management | Yes, the rules of conduct were determined during meetings of all stakeholders | Yes, the rules of conduct were determined during meetings of all stakeholders | 1 | 1 |
| Space for social contact | Yes, there are numerous places in the neighbourhood which can serve as meeting places for various social groups | Yes, there are numerous places in the neighbourhood which can serve as meeting places for various social groups | ||
| – third places | Yes, there are numerous possibilities for group meetings, participation in events, etc. on regular basis | Yes, there are numerous possibilities for group meetings, participation in events, etc. on regular basis | 1 | 1 |
| – fourth places | Yes, the entrire neighbourhood can be regarded as attractive fourth place where people can spend some quality time ocasionally | Yes, the entrire neighbourhood can be regarded as attractive fourth place where people can spend some quality time ocasionally | 1 | 1 |
A universal standard for health-promoting urban places_ Source: author [23, 24 with further additions]
| 1. SUSTAINABILITY | 2. ACCESSIBILITY | 3. AMENITIES | 4. DESIGN | 5. PLACEMAKING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 Place Area Location Surrounding urban pattern | 2.1 Distance to park | 3.1. Psychological and physical regeneration Natural Landscapes Green open space Presence of water Places to rest in the sun shade Places to rest in quiet and solitude | 4.1. Architectural design Human scale Focal points and landmarks Structure of interior connections Framed views Long vistas (Extent) Pathways with views Invisible parts of the scenery (Vistas which engage the imagination) Possibility to watch other people Possibility to see wildlife | 5.1 Enhancement of Social Contacts Organization of events Meeting places for groups
|
Assessment of ZAC Boucicaut and ZAC Frequel-Fontarabe, Paris – part 3, source: author
| Table 4. ZAC Boucicaut, Paris – part 3 | POINTS | POINTS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3. AMENITIES | 14.5/15 | 14.5/15 | ||
| 3.1. Psychological and physical rejuvenation | ||||
| Natural Landscapes | There are small garden rooms which offer a subjective feeling of natural landscape | Jardin naturel -Pierre Emmanuel offers a subjective feeling of natural landscape | 0,5 | 0,5 |
| Green open space | Yes, there are numerous green open spaces in the neighbourhood and its vicinites | Yes, there are numerous green open spaces in the neighbourhood and its vicinites | 1 | 1 |
| Presence of water | Yes, in Park André Citroën there are numerous water works | Yes, in Jardin naturel Pierre Emmanuel | 1 | 1 |
| Places to rest in the sun and shade | Yes, there are numerous benches in the sun and in the shade, movable chairs | Yes, there are numerous benches in the sun and in the shade, movable chairs | 1 | 1 |
| Places to rest in quiet and solitude | Yes, there are numerous benches in popular, as well as more secluded places, movable chairs | Yes, there are numerous benches in popular, as well as more secluded places, movable chairs | 1 | 1 |
| 3.2. Physical Activity Promotion | ||||
| Sports infrastructure | bicycle paths, playgrounds | bicycle paths, playgrounds | 1 | 1 |
| Recreational infrastructure | Recreational infrastructure for all age groups within walking distance | Recreational infrastructure for all age groups within walking distance | 1 | 1 |
| Community gardens | Yes, There is limited space for gardeners within community gardens | Yes, jardin casque d’or les haies received an award for community gardens [28] | 1 | 1 |
| Addressing the needs of people with disabilities | Public space and majority of buildings are accessible | Public space and majority of buildings are accessible | 1 | 1 |
| 3.3. Catering for basic needs | ||||
| Safety and security (presence of guards, cleanliness, maintenance, etc.) | Presence of guards, regularly cleaned | Presence of guards, regularly cleaned | 1 | 1 |
| Places to sit and rest | Comfortable benches, movable chairs | Comfortable benches, movable chairs | 1 | 1 |
| Shelter | garden pavilions in Park André Citroën, restaurants and cafes in the streets connecting the open public green spaces | restaurants and cafes in the streets connecting the open public green spaces | 1 | 1 |
| Restrooms | Yes, there are public toilets | Yes, there are public toilets | 1 | 1 |
| Drinking water | Yes, there are drinking fountains, snack bars, food stands & restaurants | Yes, there are drinking fountains, snack bars, food stands & restaurants | 1 | 1 |
| Food (possibility to buy food in the park or close vicinity) | It is possible to buy food on the way to public parks. There are snack bars, food stands & restaurants | It is possible to buy food on the way to public parks. There are snack bars, food stands & restaurants | 1 | 1 |
Assessment of ZAC Boucicaut and ZAC Frequel-Fontarabe – part 1, source: author
| Table 2. ZAC BOUCICAUT, 2010-2016 | ZAC FREQUEL FONTARABE | POINTS | POINTS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. SUSTAINABILITY | 14/14 | 14/14 | ||
| 1.1 Place | -/- | |||
| Area | 3ha | 1ha | ||
| Location | XV Arronds. Paris | XVIII Arronds. Paris | ||
| Surrounding urban pattern | High density urban tissue, large scale residential districts | High density urban tissue | ||
| 1. 2 Environmental characteristics | ||||
| Soil quality | Sufficient for recreational use. No visible traces of pollution | Sufficient for recreational use. No visible traces of pollution | 1 | 1 |
| Water quality | N/A | N/A | - | - |
| Air quality | Good [26], presence of mature deciduous trees is important for purifying air pollution | Good [27], presence of mature deciduous trees is important for purifying air pollution | 1 | 1 |
| Noise level | Low to moderate noise level in areas close to traffic routes | Low to moderate noise level in areas close to traffic routes | 1 | 1 |
| Forms of natural protection | No specific legal protection of nature | No specific legal protection of nature | 1 | 1 |
| Green Infrastructure | Important part of the green infrastructure. | Important part of the green infrastructure | 1 | 1 |
| 1.3 Biodiversity protection | ||||
| Parts of open green space not available to visitors | Small secluded areas fenced for bio-diversity protection. | Small secluded areas fenced for biodiversity protection. | 1 | 1 |
| Native plants | Planting is a combination of native and non-native species | Planting is a combination of native and non-native species | 1 | 1 |
| Native animals | Both native and foreign species were observed | Both native and foreign species were observed | 1 | 1 |
| Natural maintenance methods | Only natural maintenace methods are permited in Paris public parks | Only natural maintenace methods are permited in Paris public parks | 1 | 1 |
| 1.4 Sustainable water management | ||||
| Rainwater infiltration | Porous, permeable surfaces, rain gardens, infiltration basins | Porous, permeable surfaces, rain gardens, infiltration basins | 1 | 1 |
| Irrigation with non-potable water | Both non-potable and potable water is used for irrigation | Both non-potable and potable water is used for irrigation | 1 | 1 |
| 1.5 Parks of Second (New) Generation | ||||
| Yes, many parts can be regarded as park of new generation | Yes, many parts can be regarded as park of new generation. | 1 | 1 | |
| 1.6 Urban metabolism | ||||
| Waste segregation and collection | Waste segregation and collection | 1 | 1 | |
| 1.7 Ecological energy sources | ||||
| Yes, in ZAC Bouciacut ecological energy sources are used | Yes, in ZAC Frequel Fontarabe ecological energy sources are used | 1 | 1 | |