The challenge presented by this project was to create a new floating hotel habitat. An experimental fluvial-urban project in the historical context of Paris. The concept proposes the insertion of a system of individual elements, an archipelago of small floating units. Thanks to their ability to navigate, and their programmed activities, the boats occupy the surface of the water in a flexible manner, occasionally fragmenting the continuity of the elevation and freeing up multiple views from and toward the Seine. Small water gardens will be integrated and anchored to the longitudinal dock. They will feature riparian vegetation selected from among the principal species populating the banks of the Seine
(sagittaria sagittifolia, ninfee, typha, potamogeton), completed by the introduction of species of small autochthonous fish.
The floating units have different functions, both public and private: tourist lodgings (luxury suites), exhibition (the Mise en Seine) that will allow for a virtual and explorative voyage through the different aspects of the Seine Valley, and finally the ‘small city of taste’, a reception and dining space serving the hotel. This latter host an alternation of sales and tasting areas and a ‘kitchen theatre’ where top chefs can present thematic cooking shows: a cultural and enogastronomic hub that informs visitors about current events along the Seine and in this territory. The area of Port des Invalides is the most suitable home for this new cultural hub, given its popularity and its historical and elegant character. Throughout the year it will host events curated by the ‘Savoirs et Saveurs’ project, which can be booked via a dedicated website. A new path for discovering the fluvial universe, where users can exploit the 5 senses – sound, sight, smell, touch and taste – to discover, explore and inhabit it.
