What’s in a name? Allée des Cosmonautes. The Cosmonauts’ Alley. Right here in Drancy, this street carries a story as expansive as the cosmos. Allée des Cosmonautes wasn’t always reaching for the stars. Originally, this area was part of a larger project, envisioned in 1957 by architect André Lurçat. He dreamt of a modern housing development. It was initially called “Cité des Hautes-Noëlles,” referencing the local area. Lurçat meticulously planned fourteen buildings, balancing form and function. He even incorporated shops beneath a portico. He wanted to create a new type of street, a blend of bustling commerce and open space. He aimed for a human scale, even with the increasing presence of automobiles.
The project stalled, mired in legal procedures and land disputes. The construction of the A1 motorway further complicated matters, shrinking the available land. Lurçat adapted, reworking his design. In 1965, the project finally received building permission. Allée des Cosmonautes began to take shape, now twelve buildings strong, with a mix of nine-story towers and four-story blocks. A fifteen-story tower, a rarity in Drancy at the time, became the centerpiece. The school on the southern edge served as a point of symmetry for the entire development.
This blend of architectural vision and urban planning created a unique atmosphere in the Allée des Cosmonautes. The residents embraced the communal spaces and the innovative street design. In 1983, the Cité des Cosmonautes underwent renovations. Thermal insulation, new windows, and splashes of color on balconies brightened the facade. These changes, while minimal, enhanced the original design. They inadvertently created small interior spaces, about 30 centimeters deep. Residents used these nooks to display plants or trinkets, personalizing their connection to Allée des Cosmonautes. The project’s photogenic qualities, enhanced by the renovation, earned it acclaim in architectural publications, cementing Lurçat’s legacy. Today, Allée des Cosmonautes stands as a testament to his vision. It’s a blend of social housing, urban design, and a quiet tribute to those who journey beyond Earth’s bounds.