1. Context

In the space of a decade, the context for urban projects has changed considerably. To better understand this, three major characteristics can be put forward.

• First and foremost, it's not just a matter of building

  Of course, the physical consistency of projects is always at the heart of the concerns of architects and builders alike. But new dimensions need to be taken into account.

  The environmental issue is now unavoidable. The role of the end-user is beginning to be taken into account, but not without difficulty given its variability.

  In economic terms, investment is judged not only by its volume, but also by its impact on the local economy.

  All these parameters make the project a multi-dimensional object. In an urban environment, Renzo Piano...