Like other port cities around the world, Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, is in the process of restructuring. Shaped by the water’s edge and the striking mountain range in the hinterland, the city centre of Port Louis has developed into a dense urban structure.
In that context, the city launched an international ideas competition in cooperation with the International Union of Architects (UIA). The aim was to develop a master plan and give the city a structure that solves the traffic problems, creates open spaces and provides new residential and sojournal quality.
The central element of the design is the ‘Parc de Port Louis’, which lies like a large terrace on the water before the silhouette of the city. The large open space creates an infrastructure for the city that was previous missing. There is a beach, gardens, sports facilities, as well as open spaces for events and leisure activities. Green corridors connect the city to the water and to the mountain range and counteract the excessive warming of the urban space. High-rise buildings on the edge of the ‘Parc de Port Louis’ mark the entrances to the city, and green axes add new highlights to the cityscape. The traffic concept ensures convenient and attractive access to the city centre and the waterfront for pedestrians and cyclists.
