La Marquise

TYPE Public garden and window display

STATUS Completed

DATE 2010

LOCATION Paris 4th district

FUNDERS Autofinanced

PARTNERS Jeudi Noir, Residents of La Marquise

The Speranza project was a way to promote constructive occupation. In collaboration with the Atelier Immédiat (now PERU), Quatorze planned a series of actions – workshops, building sites, events – in order to promote participatory development at a mansion located on the Place des Vosges. This location was occupied between 2009 and 2010 by the Jeudi Noir collective, a group of young activists fighting for affordable housing for all.

First step: Making the occupation visible and legible. Quatorze designed the façades of the mansion with the Encore Heureux agency in order to promote Jeudi Noir’s message. This action was supported by the Abbé Pierre Foundation.

Second stage: Creating a public passage within the mansion, between rue de Birague and Place des Vosges. The objective was to give local residents and tourists the benefit of an alternative space in the heart of the historic centre of Paris. A garden was also laid out with help from Coloco landscapers.

Third step: Opening the cellars overlooking Rue de Birague and Place des Vosges to host events. This included the construction of new façades, installation of sanitary facilities, and bringing the electrical system up to standard. The co-construction sites made it possible to make this space available to a diverse public.