Called the Mareterra Project, this new urban development on Monaco’s coastline is a sight to see. It is a floating eco-district that was completed this month, establishing an unprecedented global benchmark. It has been constructed entirely on “land” that has been reclaimed from the sea to build a new territory for development. This urban development will add six hectares, allowing environmental stewardship and architectural class to merge perfectly and harmoniously.
“I wanted this new area to embody the excellence and conviviality that distinguish the Principality of Monaco so well,” said HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. “Mareterra will integrate perfectly with our shoreline, and in a few years will be seen as a natural extension of our territory.”
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The urban project has been developed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW), Valode et Pistre Architects, and the landscape architect Michel Desvigne. The entire district focuses on public access. It includes the Le Renzo residential complex, a marina, public parks, and commercial spaces. Most of the area is occupied by parks and leisure spaces. So, the Mareterra is another innovative and valuable addition to this public-centric district.
One of the star features of Mareterra is its innovative construction on water. This ambitious project extends Monaco’s coastline through the use of underwater caissons—large concrete structures—that not only create new land space but also double as marine habitats to enhance biodiversity. Developed in collaboration with marine biologists, this engineering approach aims to minimize ecological disruption. Proactive measures have been implemented to relocate and monitor native species such as Posidonia seagrass and red coral. Anti-turbidity screens have also been incorporated to protect the nearby marine reserves, thereby preserving the surrounding marine environment.
The project features energy-efficient systems, which are in line with Monaco’s carbon neutrality goals for 2025. Solar panels generate 40% of the district’s energy needs, while a seawater thalasso-thermal loop efficiently provides heating and cooling, significantly reducing overall energy consumption. Rainwater is collected for irrigation purposes, and green roofs, together with over 1,000 trees, play a crucial role in mitigating urban heat. While a 1-hectare (2.47-acre) pine forest has been created, providing residents with environmental and recreational advantages.
Mareterra is designed to improve Monaco’s cultural infrastructure. Around 6,000 square meters have been given to exhibition spaces, offering venues for cultural events. It also features restored artworks such as Alexander Calder’s “Quatre Lances” in Princess Gabriella Square, and a “Meditation Space” designed by Tia-Thủy Nguyễn. A pedestrianized promenade is created to connect different parts of the district while offering serene views of the sea. Different residential, commercial, and recreational areas have been connected and linked.
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