Abstract: In the context of current environmental challenges, the concept of the sustainable city plays a central role in urban planning. However, its practical application often remains fragmented and theoretical. This research focuses on a specific dimension of urban sustainability: the potential role of reintroducing nature along urban riverbanks in improving the quality of river water. The objective is to investigate whether the so-called eau sauvage can function not only as a landscape or recreational element but also as an effective ecological tool for natural water purification. To achieve this, the study adopts a comparative and interdisciplinary approach, integrating theoretical and regulatory analysis with case studies. The research examines three French cities – Strasbourg, Montpellier, and Toulouse – selected for their varying degrees of progress in implementing sustainable urban policies. The study explores urban planning strategies, riverbank renaturalization projects, and specific ecological interventions, with particular attention to observable environmental impacts and the adoption of ecological management practices (such as zero pesticide programs). Preliminary findings suggest that renaturalization of riverbanks, when supported by coherent environmental policies, can significantly contribute to reducing water pollution, restoring biodiversity, and enhancing urban resilience. Nonetheless, critical issues emerge regarding the compatibility of such interventions with existing urban fabrics, raising questions about the feasibility of reintegrating natural spaces into historic city centers without compromising built heritage. This research aims to contribute to the development of integrated strategies for sustainable urban water management, where the natural landscape is not merely decorative, but an active component in the ecological regeneration of cities.
Year: 2015-2016
Affiliation: L’ École nationale supérieure d’architecture de Toulouse (ENSA Toulouse) and University of Catania, Italy
Typology: Research draft developed as a final project during the Seminaire course at ENSA Toulouse, completed during the Erasmus exchange period.
