WICA Magazine

In the heart of the vibrant city of Marseille, a remarkable project is underway, seeking to rejuvenate the hidden gems of the urban landscape. The REMEDSPACE project, located in La Citadelle de Marseille, aims to transform an abandoned military base into a green haven for the public. Originally, the plan was to create an urban farm, but the discovery of soil pollution posed a significant challenge. We met with Mathilde Rubinstein, Managing Director of La Citadelle de Marseille and a key figure in the REMEDSPACE project, to discuss the project’s evolution, challenges, and innovative solutions.

Revealing the past: La Citadelle de Marseille

La Citadelle de Marseille, a heritage building, is situated in the heart of Marseille. Once a military base, three acres of green space have been inaccessible to the public. REMEDSPACE’s mission is to open and share these spaces with the citizens. The initial vision was to create an urban farm, but the project hit a roadblock due to soil pollution.

During our conversation, Mathilde Rubinstein described the initial soil studies, which unveiled alarming levels of pollution in the area. The pollution was attributed to both historical military activities and contemporary human interactions. This led to the project’s reassessment, as addressing pollution in an urban space with nearby inhabitants posed significant challenges.

The role of art, in communicating about the pollution issue

Rather than concealing the pollution issue, the project chose to address it head-on. They engaged ecological specialists, researchers, and the local community to share the scientific findings. Additionally, they enlisted the help of Louise Nicollon des Abbayes, an artist who specialises in ceramic work related to polluted soils.

“Louise played a vital role in transforming the perception of polluted soils,” says Mathilde Rubinstein Her ceramic art beautifully conveyed the layers of history, including pollution, as an integral part of the living heritage. The art offered an emotional perspective, making the information more accessible to a wider audience.

Adapting to challenges: A new plan for the project.

Faced with the pollution issue, the REMEDSPACE project had to reconsider its plans. The team decided to treat the soil as a non-renewable resource, preserving it. They initiated a collaborative approach, involving various stakeholders, including the local community, professionals, researchers, and artists. The project’s success was contingent upon cross-fertilization between these communities.

Mathilde shares two significant surprises from the collaborative workshops: “First, the general lack of knowledge about soil pollution and nature-based solutions among the participants was surprising, even among public institutions. Second, the enthusiasm and curiosity of the participants, along with the cross-fertilization of ideas, greatly contributed to the project’s success.”

As the project progresses, it is set to open the green spaces to the public in 2024. Guided tours and educational programs are already underway, offering an opportunity to raise awareness and educate the public about the importance of soil health and nature-based solutions.

Indeed, the project is set to introduce a variety of endemic plants in the redesigned green spaces. “These plants are chosen for their ability to manage pollution and adapt to the Mediterranean climate. This approach emphasizes the importance of using locally adapted and sustainable solutions,” says Mathilde.

The Remit Space project in Marseille serves as a shining example of transforming polluted urban spaces into green, sustainable havens. Through collaborative efforts, creative engagement, and a commitment to nature-based solutions, this project not only addresses pollution but also revitalizes a historical site, ensuring its future as a living heritage. As Marseille prepares to host the Olympic Games in 2024, the REMED Space project stands as a symbol of change and hope for a greener, more sustainable future.

An article by Anne-Sophie Garrigou.