Master's Thesis AR · Winter Semester 2022/23 · Alix Gelabert

The development strategy for the town of Saint-Benoît (La Réunion) aimed to limit urban expansion while creating new impulses to enhance the town’s attractiveness.

Building on the potential of the existing urban fabric and the surrounding landscape, the thesis developed strategies and design interventions for sustainable urban development. The work focused on three key themes:

• Limiting urban expansion and activating the surrounding landscape
• Creating seamless transitions and spatial connections
• Urban activation and inner development

The central concept of the thesis, entitled “The Potential of the Urban Edge,” was to strengthen inner urban development by establishing clearly defined settlement boundaries. Through the introduction of diverse functions and uses, the urban edge was transformed into an attractive and identity-forming interface between the built environment and the surrounding landscape.

The thesis examined how clearly defined settlement boundaries can influence future urban development and how additional housing can be accommodated within these limits. Through targeted densification and the introduction of new urban functions, the existing urban fabric was further developed. At the same time, a more balanced distribution of everyday services and stronger connections between neighbourhoods contributed to improving the quality of urban life.

The design of the urban edge protects open spaces from further development while creating opportunities for new green connections and accessible public open spaces close to residential areas. The strategic introduction of new uses reinforces the settlement boundary over the long term and enhances the relationship between the town and its surrounding landscape.erten.