The newly completed Mareterra project in Monaco, designed by Valode et Pistre Architectes, Renzo Piano Building Workshop, and landscape architect Michel Desvigne, is a groundbreaking example of sustainable urban expansion on water. Officially opening to the public in December 2024, this ambitious land reclamation initiative enhances Monaco’s coastline by adding six hectares to its territory — approximately 3% of the Principality’s total land area. Mareterra’s completion marks a milestone in Monaco’s history of coastal development, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and public benefit.
Mareterra addresses the geographic constraints of Monaco, a small nation with limited land for expansion. Built entirely on reclaimed land, the district integrates the Le Renzo residences, public parks, a seaside promenade, a marina, and commercial spaces. Half of its area is reserved for public use, ensuring that residents and visitors alike benefit from accessible green and leisure spaces. This urban design approach reflects the Principality’s commitment to balancing modern development with environmental preservation.
From the outset, Mareterra has been a testbed for innovative construction techniques and environmental safeguards. Marine biologists, pers, and other specialists collaborated to relocate and protect marine species such as posidonia and large nacres. Anti-turbidity screens and carefully timed dredging minimized sediment disturbance during construction, while underwater caissons were engineered to double as habitats for marine life, fostering biopersity in the reclaimed area.
Mareterra exemplifies eco-design principles, aligning with Monaco’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Key sustainability features include a seawater thalasso-thermal loop for heating and cooling, rainwater collection systems for irrigation, and extensive solar panel installations supplying 40% of the district’s energy needs. Green roofs, a one-hectare pine forest, and the planting of over 1,000 large trees further contribute to biopersity and ecological balance.
位于摩纳哥的Mareterra生态区完工时间为2024年12月,比原计划提前6个月
Monaco’s Mareterra land reclaimation project opens December 2024, six months ahead of schedule
The design of Mareterra showcases contributions from world-renowned architects. Valode et Pistre Architectes shaped the overall urban layout and designed the Jardins d’Eau and Colline districts, which include public infrastructure and exhibition spaces. Renzo Piano Building Workshop contributed to the design of the Port district and the Le Renzo residential building, while Michel Desvigne orchestrated the landscape design, blending urban and natural elements. Other notable contributors include Foster + Partners, Stefano Boeri Architetti, and Tadao Ando, whose designs for residential villas enrich the district’s architectural persity.
Mareterra expands Monaco’s cultural infrastructure with an additional 10,000 square meters for the Grimaldi Forum, including 6,000 square meters dedicated to exhibitions. Public amenities such as meditation spaces, the Blue Grotto — a marine observation area — and a pedestrianized promenade ensure that the district offers something for everyone, fostering community engagement and cultural enrichment.
Mareterra’s success sets a precedent for sustainable land reclamation projects worldwide. Designed with anti-seismic standards to address the risks of rising sea levels, the project is a forward-thinking solution to urbanization in coastal regions. Its innovative use of caisson technology and environmental protocols offers valuable insights for future developments in marine environments.
▲ 该项目完美的解决了城市扩张问题和海平面上升的危险
the project addresses urban growth and rising sea levels through innovative coastal construction
▲ Mareterra生态区建成之后将会为摩纳哥增加6公顷的土地面积,其中包含有城市公园和码头
Mareterra adds six hectares to Monaco with pedestrian-friendly promenades parks and a marina
▲ 该生态区由Renzo Piano建筑事务所的Valode et Pistre建筑师和Michel Desvigne景观设计师联合设计
architects Valode et Pistre, Renzo Piano, and Michel Desvigne lead the design of this eco-district
▲ 该项目中的可持续发展措施有太阳能电池板装置系统、海水加热系统和雨水收集系统
sustainability measures include solar panels, seawater heating systems, and rainwater collection
▲ 该生态区内规划有1公顷的树林,种植的是本地树种,增加了生态区的绿化率,促进了生物多样性
a one-hectare park with native trees enhances greenery and promotes biopersity
▲ 该项目中使用了水下沉箱技术,目的是保护海洋生物多样性和维护海洋生态系统平衡
underwater caissons were designed to preserve biopersity and support marine ecosystems
项目信息:
项目名称:Mareterra生态区
建筑设计:Renzo Piano建筑事务所(简称RPBW)的建筑师
场地构架(项目规划、基础设施):Valode et Pistre设计师
项目位置:摩纳哥
工程设计:Bouygues Travaux
景观设计:Michel Desvigne
完工时间:2024年12月
摄影:Hufton + Crow