Lush Green Pedestrian Bridge Revitalizes Abandoned Parisian Roadways

Unlocking the potential in abandoned roads, architecture firm <a href="http://www.stephanemalka.com" target="_blank">Stephane Malka</a> has dreamed up plans for a vibrant living footbridge, called Parissy, that connects the banks of the Seine to the Boulevard Victor RER station in the Parisian suburb of Issy les Moulineau. The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/gorgeous-wind-chime-sculpture-sings-splendidly-with-the-forest-winds/" target="_blank">bridge</a> is a continuous green pathway that lifts pedestrians above the congested roadways, creating a peaceful transportation route that adds vegetation to the city.

Parissy takes an obstructive element that was designed for - and abandoned by - the automobile, and gives the space back to the pedestrian. Malka’s first step is to unify the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/abandoned-italian-viaduct-transformed-into-vertical-vacation-complex/" target="_blank">abandoned roadways</a> into one congruous and clean roundabout.

This process cleans up the urban landscape of both Issy and Paris by removing unnecessary road structures.

Pared down to a single line, the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/jds-rolling-birkegade-rooftop-park-playground-graces-top-of-copenhagen-penthouses/" target="_blank">foot bridge</a> structure shine as it winds its way around town.

The elevated foot bridge is <a href="http://inhabitat.com/unused-swiss-lot-transformed-into-glowing-eca-oai-cube-office-building/" target="_blank">planted with vegetation</a> that will change in color and density as the seasons also change.

Set amidst the urban environments of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/high-performance-housing-for-parisian-students-weaves-into-the-urban-fabric/" target="_blank">Paris</a> and Issy, the faux-forest is a lush oasis that combines urbanism, architecture, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/renzo-piano-unveils-green-roofed-stavros-niarchos-foundation-cultural-center-for-athens/" target="_blank">landscape</a>, and land art.

Aside from creating a unique and beautiful bridge from Issy to <a href="http://inhabitat.com/green-renovation-of-tour-first-france’s-tallest-skyscraper-is-now-complete/" target="_blank">Paris</a>, Parissy creates a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/espaimgr-propose-giant-lego-like-structures-to-enliven-downtown-valencia/" target="_blank">serene user experience</a>, and breathes fresh air into the big city.