Wild Ribbon: A Multifunctional Urban Design

An Innovative Solution to Revitalize Paris' Eastern Area

Renowned designer Noushin Jafari has unveiled an extraordinary urban design concept called Wild Ribbon, aimed at animating the eastern area of Paris. Inspired by the adaptability of amphibious creatures, Jafari has created a connected ribbon that self-adjusts its functionality to suit different corners of the city's bustling square, La place de la nation.

The Wild Ribbon design is a multifunctional structure that seamlessly integrates with the urban landscape. It serves as a stair railing, guiding people down into the subway area, and creates additional spaces alongside the trains. The ribbon then ascends to the ground level, where it transforms into various forms, such as benches and other compatible structures, adapting to the unique characteristics of each part of the square.

Jafari's design is not only visually striking but also highly practical. The ribbon can be made from plastic or fiberglass, allowing for greater flexibility and adaptability. Its dimensions vary depending on the existing objects or zones within the square, ensuring a harmonious integration with the surrounding environment.

What sets Wild Ribbon apart is its interactive nature. Jafari's vision is to provide a vibrant and engaging space in an area with diverse sociological backgrounds and occupations. By creating a dynamic and ever-changing environment, the design encourages creativity, fun, and interaction among the square's visitors.

The development of Wild Ribbon was not without its challenges. Jafari conducted extensive research, interviewing people at different times of the day and week to understand the square's potential and its significance in the lives of Parisians. The designer also delved into historical maps of the city, tracing the changes in the area since 1850. The findings revealed a rich tapestry of individuals, from children to the elderly, using the square as a meeting point and a transition space between work and home.

With this knowledge in mind, Jafari aimed to create a minimalistic solution that would enhance the square without overwhelming its already diverse population. The ribbon's ability to adapt to different areas and people was the key to achieving this goal, despite the inherent contradictions present in the site, such as underground and above-ground spaces, different age groups, and varying free time and working hours.

Wild Ribbon was initially conceptualized in the spring of 2004 and completed within two months in Paris. The design was exhibited at the Ecole Speciale d'Architecture in the summer of 2004, where it received positive feedback from renowned architect Peter Cook. The 3D modeling process began in August 2014 and was finalized in September of the same year.

This groundbreaking design by Noushin Jafari has not only transformed a previously neglected square but has also earned recognition in the design community. Wild Ribbon was awarded the prestigious A' Design Award Bronze in City Planning and Urban Design in 2015. This accolade celebrates designs that demonstrate exceptional creativity, resourcefulness, and technical skill, contributing to the improvement of quality of life in urban environments.

Images: Pooya Abbasian (Graphist, Animator), 2014