Cité Palin

Nestled in the heart of Lille, the Cité Palin whispers tales of a bygone era. This unassuming street holds a unique connection to a grand housing project, the Cité Philanthropique. Originally known as Cité Napoléon, the Cité Philanthropique was built between 1859 and 1862. The Bureau de bienfaisance de Lille commissioned this project to provide housing for the indigent population. Cité Palin’s story intertwines with the Cité Philanthropique’s history, reflecting the city’s efforts to address the housing crisis of the 19th century. Lille, confined within its 1670s walls, faced extreme overcrowding. In 1858, the population density was a staggering 411 inhabitants per hectare. This surpassed even pre-Haussmann Paris. Amidst the burgeoning factories, space for housing was scarce. Existing homes were often cramped and unhealthy. The annexation of Wazemmes, Esquermes, and Moulins-Lille offered an opportunity. The Bureau de bienfaisance and the Hospices civils owned land in these newly acquired districts. This land presented a chance to improve worker housing conditions. The Cité Philanthropique project began in the autumn of 1859. The Bureau de Bienfaisance owned a large plot of land on rue Gantois in Wazemmes. Despite resistance from Lille’s elite, construction began in 1861. Architect Émile Vandenbergh designed the innovative complex. The Cité Philanthropique featured six buildings, each housing 180 people. Wide courtyards separated the buildings, and bridges containing communal services connected them. The construction incorporated iron, cast iron, and glass. This functionalist design placed buildings independently within the plot. This maximized light and air circulation for residents, a principle later echoed in Le Corbusier’s Athens Charter. The Cité offered 276 rooms, each about 20 square meters. Rent ranged from 3.50 to 5.00 FRF. Rooms were rented to those registered as indigent, prioritizing widows, the disabled, and workers. Despite its innovative design, poverty persisted within its walls. Its architecture, likened to barracks or a prison, drew criticism. Today, the Cité Philanthropique serves as a residence for the elderly, a testament to its enduring presence in Lille’s urban fabric. Cité Palin, therefore, stands as a quiet reminder of Lille’s social history. It echoes the city’s ongoing efforts to balance urban development with the needs of its population.