Lotissement le Clos

From the heart of Marseille’s 13th arrondissement rises Lotissement le Clos. It stands as a testament to the city’s ambitious post-war housing projects. Lotissement le Clos, also known as La Rose Le Clos, emerged from the ECOMO housing initiative. This project aimed to address the pressing need for modern housing in the rapidly growing city. Construction began in 1958 and concluded in 1963. The architects, Joseph Lajarrige and Louis Poutu, drew inspiration from their earlier project, Saint-Just Bellevue. They employed similar construction techniques and a standardized design. Lotissement le Clos comprises 734 apartments, ranging from studios to five-room units, spread across twelve buildings, including a school. The buildings, primarily four and ten-story barres, are arranged to create communal spaces. These spaces include green areas, playgrounds, and parking. The development showcases the architectural trends of the time. It features a rationalist layout and standardized buildings. Interestingly, the initial design was altered due to foundation challenges posed by the site at the intersection of Chemin de la Rose and Chemin de la Grave. The uniform aesthetic of Lotissement le Clos reflects the egalitarian ideals of the era. However, some critics found it monotonous compared to the architects’ earlier “paquebot” style at La Verdière. The construction employed prefabricated panels, a common practice in post-war France. However, the relatively narrow panels used in Le Clos led to more joints. This made the buildings susceptible to infiltration problems, necessitating rehabilitation work in 1976. During this renovation, the buildings were repainted under the guidance of color expert Philippe Lenclos. Today, Lotissement le Clos continues to provide housing for a diverse community in Marseille. It serves as a tangible reminder of the city’s efforts to modernize and expand in the mid-20th century.