The concrete forms of Le Havre remind me of some disturbing version of the arrays of drab urban towers the communists put up in the cities of the Soviet Empire without any semblance of atmosphere, ambience or esthetic sense. The American versions of cheap post war housing have been blamed in the inner cities for promoting gang life and squalid conditions of what's termed , "housing projects". A lot of these have been demolished.
In France's Le Havre, the same ill-conceived concrete structures appear to be blessed with no better respect for pleasant appearance and there's seems to be no relief and no orientation possible as it appears monotonous. God forbid there should be great variety and harmony with parks, hills and terrace, lakes and wooded areas!
However, this massive "concretorium" is considered a wonder of architectural planning by UNESCO!
Brief Description
The city of Le Havre, on the English Channel in Normandy, was severely bombed during the Second World War. The destroyed area was rebuilt according to the plan of a team headed by Auguste Perret, from 1945 to 1964. The site forms the administrative, commercial and cultural centre of Le Havre. Le Havre is exceptional among many reconstructed cities for its unity and integrity. It combines a reflection of the earlier pattern of the town and its extant historic structures with the new ideas of town planning and construction technology. It is an outstanding post-war example of urban planning and architecture based on the unity of methodology and the use of prefabrication, the systematic utilization of a modular grid, and the innovative exploitation of the potential of concrete.
Justification for Inscription
Criterion (ii): The post-war reconstruction plan of Le Havre is an outstanding example and a landmark of the integration of urban planning traditions and a pioneer implementation of modern developments in architecture, technology, and town planning.
Criterion (iv): Le Havre is an outstanding post-war example of urban planning and architecture based on the unity of methodology and system of prefabrication, the systematic use of a modular grid and the innovative exploitation of the potential of concrete.
Source.
To me all this equates to bland mindless boxes with heating ducts and water, something large cities no longer boast as a tourist attraction, LOL!
Anyway, it seems that what other places recognize as a sin against humans attempt to live in harmony with life, Le Havre thinks is something uniquely theirs to celebrate. Look at the flat, (apartment) on show
here!
They boast integrated kitchens and bathroom and then built in garbage shoots, which means decaying rubbish throughout the building!
However, from the appearance of the beach huts, people seem to be happy with so much less if they never knew they could have more!
That's the way it is. Happiness is a simple formula: expectation >>reality we are cheated and when we get >> we expect or desire we're content. Besides, Le Havre is close to some very genuine medieval villages and towns and for sure will not ruin one's vacation!
Asher
