Urbanism of Fear/Le Passage project is centred around the SNCF train lines dividing Marseille. Gare St-Charles, situated atop a mound, resembles a citadel, with its connecting train lines acting as barriers separating adjacent neighbourhoods. Marseile hosts, for context, the highest number of gated communities per capita, in the world. The Urbanism of Fear phenomenon that affects Marseille, characterised by high walls, barbed wire, and security measures, exacerbates the city’s already existing social and political challenges, fostering isolation and a less inviting urban environment.

To address this, Le Passage proposes transforming these barriers into seams, minimising their disruptive impact. The Boulevard National tunnel beneath the railway lines serves as the project site, plagued by poor conditions, visibility and light, and ventilation. Le Passage aims to pedestrianise and shorten the tunnel, reduce the train line span, and re purpose adjacent warehouses to enhance connectivity and reduce barriers between Marseille’s communities.

By incorporating nodes of activity such as markets, shops, and recreational spaces, Le Passage seeks to transform the railway area into a vibrant destination, fostering community interaction and mitigating the Urbanism of Fear effect. Access points to train platforms above will further integrate the area into Marseille’s urban fabric.

Drawing inspiration from urban theorists like Jacobs, Oldenberg, Van Eyck, Sola-Morales and Olmsted, Le Passage aims to create a porous edge, a destination rather than thoroughfare, promoting connectivity and inclusivity. By embracing principles of integration and community engagement, the project seeks to unite neighbourhoods and alleviate the Urbanism of Fear prevalent in Marseille.

In conclusion, Le Passage offers a holistic approach to urban design, re imagining existing infrastructure through architectural technology and design to foster social cohesion and vitality. Through thoughtful interventions and community-centered spaces, it aspires to transcend barriers and create a more welcoming and interconnected urban environment.