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Bjarke Ingels explains BIG's 'holistic' EuropaCity designs
POSTED 21 Mar 2016 . BY Kim Megson
Ingels explained how BIG’s design for EuropaCity will combine the qualities of an open landscape with streetscapes of different proportions Credit: BIG
Bjarke Ingels has shed more light on his designs for EuropaCity, the huge leisure development planned for the outskirts of Paris.

In a new video featuring Ingels in conversation with Italian architect Carlo Ratti, the BIG studio founder claims the project has given him the opportunity to “be as bold as the Parisians used to be when they made the Paris we know today.”

Ingels said the French capital “has been incredibly good at creating landmarks”, but EuropaCity will “create the notion of a city expanding and becoming more diverse - creating a Paris 2.0 that sets a new standard for what a city can be.”

EuropaCity will cover more than 80 acres (324,000sq m) and will include a selection of hotels, restaurants, theme parks, cultural sites, urban farmland, shopping centres and sports facilities which could host events at a potential Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The €3.1bn (US$3.5bn, £2.4bn) project – one of the largest ongoing leisure developments on the planet – has received major investment from Wanda, China’s largest private property developer.

In the video, Ingels explained how BIG’s design for EuropaCity will combine the qualities of an open landscape with streetscapes of different proportions, creating a horizontal landmark.

“The classic monument is about verticality and how many floors you can stack on top,” he said. “In EuropaCity we’ve tried to create a lively urban fabric that combines radically different streetscapes, both intimate and generous. Some roofscapes kiss the ground, others are tall and invaded by greenery.”

Public consultations about BIG’s masterplan will take place between March and June and the plans are expected to be finalised by 2017.


“This is a chance to think big and make big experiments,” said Ingels. “A city is more than just an accumulation of buildings. We are creating something at the scale of a neighbourhood in one holistic design.

“In 2024 when you arrive at Charles de Gaulle airport and look out the airplane, you will see an undulating green hybrid of landscape and architecture, like a piece of land art welcoming you to Paris.”

The city will feature a selection of hotels, restaurants, theme parks, cultural sites, urban farmland, shopping centres and sports facilities Credit: BIG
EuropaCity will cover more than 80 acres (324,000sq m) Credit: BIG
Peaceful green spaces will merge into leisure-filled urbanised districts Credit: BIG
Public consultations about BIG’s masterplan will take place between March and June and the plans are expected to be finalised by 2017 Credit: BIG
The 'holistic' design is centred around fun and engagement Credit: BIG
EuropaCity will include theme parks as part of its attractions offerings Credit: BIG
The €3.1bn (US$3.5bn, £2.4bn) project is one of the largest ongoing leisure developments on the planet Credit: BIG
RELATED STORIES
  EXCLUSIVE: Europa City will play a key role in Paris 2024 Olympic bid


The director of Europa City – one of the largest ongoing leisure developments on the continent – has told CLAD how the scheme can bolster the Paris bid to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
  Public consultations planned for Bjarke Ingels' Europa City


France’s National Commission for Public Debate will host a series of open discussions about the development of Bjarke Ingels’ EuropaCity masterplan; one of the largest ongoing leisure developments on the continent.
  Bjarke Ingels unveils Europa City masterplan


Bjarke Ingels, director of architecture practice BIG, has revealed his masterplan for France's Europa City – set to be one of the largest leisure developments in Europe over the next five years.
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NEWS
Bjarke Ingels explains BIG's 'holistic' EuropaCity designs
POSTED 21 Mar 2016 . BY Kim Megson
Ingels explained how BIG’s design for EuropaCity will combine the qualities of an open landscape with streetscapes of different proportions Credit: BIG
Bjarke Ingels has shed more light on his designs for EuropaCity, the huge leisure development planned for the outskirts of Paris.

In a new video featuring Ingels in conversation with Italian architect Carlo Ratti, the BIG studio founder claims the project has given him the opportunity to “be as bold as the Parisians used to be when they made the Paris we know today.”

Ingels said the French capital “has been incredibly good at creating landmarks”, but EuropaCity will “create the notion of a city expanding and becoming more diverse - creating a Paris 2.0 that sets a new standard for what a city can be.”

EuropaCity will cover more than 80 acres (324,000sq m) and will include a selection of hotels, restaurants, theme parks, cultural sites, urban farmland, shopping centres and sports facilities which could host events at a potential Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The €3.1bn (US$3.5bn, £2.4bn) project – one of the largest ongoing leisure developments on the planet – has received major investment from Wanda, China’s largest private property developer.

In the video, Ingels explained how BIG’s design for EuropaCity will combine the qualities of an open landscape with streetscapes of different proportions, creating a horizontal landmark.

“The classic monument is about verticality and how many floors you can stack on top,” he said. “In EuropaCity we’ve tried to create a lively urban fabric that combines radically different streetscapes, both intimate and generous. Some roofscapes kiss the ground, others are tall and invaded by greenery.”

Public consultations about BIG’s masterplan will take place between March and June and the plans are expected to be finalised by 2017.


“This is a chance to think big and make big experiments,” said Ingels. “A city is more than just an accumulation of buildings. We are creating something at the scale of a neighbourhood in one holistic design.

“In 2024 when you arrive at Charles de Gaulle airport and look out the airplane, you will see an undulating green hybrid of landscape and architecture, like a piece of land art welcoming you to Paris.”

The city will feature a selection of hotels, restaurants, theme parks, cultural sites, urban farmland, shopping centres and sports facilities Credit: BIG
EuropaCity will cover more than 80 acres (324,000sq m) Credit: BIG
Peaceful green spaces will merge into leisure-filled urbanised districts Credit: BIG
Public consultations about BIG’s masterplan will take place between March and June and the plans are expected to be finalised by 2017 Credit: BIG
The 'holistic' design is centred around fun and engagement Credit: BIG
EuropaCity will include theme parks as part of its attractions offerings Credit: BIG
The €3.1bn (US$3.5bn, £2.4bn) project is one of the largest ongoing leisure developments on the planet Credit: BIG
RELATED STORIES
EXCLUSIVE: Europa City will play a key role in Paris 2024 Olympic bid


The director of Europa City – one of the largest ongoing leisure developments on the continent – has told CLAD how the scheme can bolster the Paris bid to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Public consultations planned for Bjarke Ingels' Europa City


France’s National Commission for Public Debate will host a series of open discussions about the development of Bjarke Ingels’ EuropaCity masterplan; one of the largest ongoing leisure developments on the continent.
Bjarke Ingels unveils Europa City masterplan


Bjarke Ingels, director of architecture practice BIG, has revealed his masterplan for France's Europa City – set to be one of the largest leisure developments in Europe over the next five years.
MORE NEWS
Mubadala makes €1 billion bid for Pierre and Vacances
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed €1 billion offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the continental European Center Parcs business.
Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
Australian waterpark acquisition creates new leisure attractions group
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
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The London Museum’s new site will open in Smithfield, East London, on 28 November 2026.
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Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
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We’re a Yorkshire-based online printer, founded in 2009 by Adam Carnell and James Kinsella. [more...]
Taylor Made Designs

Founded in 1993, Taylor Made Designs supply corporate clothing and brand-enhancing merchandise to [more...]
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QubicaAMF is the largest and most innovative bowling equipment provider with 600 employees worldwi [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
 


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