The city of Houilles, maintaining its « village » spirit, benefits from a human-scale town center with a network of local shops and a bi-weekly market. However, the continuity of commercial activity is not as dynamic in the study area as it is in the town center. This activity diminishes south of the railway tracks and completely disappears in the residential area. The public space around the train station requires improvement. Strengthening the dual core of the town center and the train station is essential for achieving balanced urban development in the city’s core.

The urban study for the Houilles train station neighborhood is composed of three phases: urban diagnosis, development scenarios, and programming, followed by the creation of a master plan. The master plan is based on a comprehensive analysis of the diagnosis and scenarios, with comparative insights guiding this final study phase. These three major steps were supported by a reinforced methodology focused on resident engagement and consultation.

The master plan is guided by several perspectives reflecting the areas of expertise within our multidisciplinary team. Our approach sought to frame our understanding of this territory through the lens of its urban, architectural, landscape, environmental, and programmatic dynamics. The analysis of economic trends, combined with a detailed understanding of mobility patterns, played a particularly key role in shaping the master plan for the Houilles / Carrières-sur-Seine station area.

The site sits at the crossroads of complementary urban dynamics. This master plan aims to enhance metropolitan dynamics tied to Houilles’ development by integrating resident perspectives, mobility considerations, environmental concerns, landscapes, and built forms.