Mixed use: an answer to today’s challenges?

Mixed use is the expression of both cyclical and structural trends: coworking, urbanisation, “wellbeing” climate change, digitalisation, and “alternative” assets such as co-living.

However, the regulatory obstacles are still very strong, particularly in France, despite the relaxation of the Elan Act. But Reinventing Paris is unique in Europe and is an extraordinary opportunity to “do better”. However, having no constraints is not desirable, at the risk of seeing a chaotic urban fabric emerge as in some North American cities. Moreover, gender diversity is not always an answer. The example of the coexistence of several uses in the same building, such as hotels and housing, is complex and must make sense. Tests are currently being conducted worldwide. It is more common at the neighbourhood level, with offices, shops and housing, e. g. “Juxtaposition rather than superposition”. The management of these new buildings (“hotel buildings”, adaptable, “living box”…) and the required skills (more and more “lace work”, management of a growing stress…) is another challenge for the real estate industry and future generations.

Mixed use contributes to the development of neighbourhoods and cities and their revitalisation. “The desirable city research that could be possible” is the subject of the city’s planners; resilience and the ability to deal with change is the subject of architects. And mixed may also use a complementary offer for users.