You might have caught a glimpse of Mareterra if you watched the Monaco Grand Prix from the Mirabeau or Portier corners, where Formula One cars fly around an iconic hairpin bend and vanish into the Fairmont Tunnel. A star-studded list of global architects includinghas contributed to an extension of Monaco that – far beyond a backdrop – is set to become a new neighbourhood of more than 130 super-prime residences.
It’s a spirit that very much attracted Levy-Soussan and the other local families, who wanted to bring this contemporary approach to coastal life to their home. At Mareterra, Piano’s poetry is already discernible in the fluent relationship between the volumes and strata of Le Renzo, the marina, the quayside, the land and the sea beyond.Creative landscaping guides the rest of the plan, with topography forming subtle margins between public and private.
Pedestrian pathways flow through the one hectare of green public space, which is currently being planted with 1,000 mature Aleppo and Umbrella pines and endemic Mediterranean species carefully chosen for biodiversity by seasoned landscape architect Michel Desvigne Paysagiste, who also worked on the public space at Lavrotto Beach and Boulingrins Gardens.
An Alexander Calder sculpture, originally purchased by Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco in 1966, will sit at the centre of a Norman Foster-designed courtyard, surrounded by benches, and more captivating public artwork and installations are soon to be revealed. So, while at first Mareterra might seem like a bold urban departure, its blended edges signify ambitions for a smooth urban continuation – albeit not for the F1 race cars.
These enamelled dome clocks are part of a London exhibition highlighting Patek Philippe's dedication to keeping rare craft techniques aliveAt the Royal Academy’s 2024 Summer Exhibition, London collective Assemble brings together works from across the creative fields into the architectural rooms Between sculpture and useful objects: American Art Furniture on view at New York's Superhouse© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved.