Isn’t it interesting that a place can be named after someone so influential? We are standing in Place Paul Delouvrier. This place is in the 19th arrondissement of Paris.
Place Paul Delouvrier got its name from Paul Delouvrier. He was a high-ranking civil servant. More than that, he was president of the Etablissement public de la Villette. He was a major promoter of the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie. The Place Paul Delouvrier faces this science center.
Paul Delouvrier was born in 1914 and died in 1995. He was not only an administrator but also an economist. In 1985, he received the Erasmus Prize. That year, the prize focused on urban development.
Delouvrier had a significant impact on France. During World War II, he was active in the French Resistance. He even participated in the liberation of Paris in 1944. After the war, he held several financial positions. He helped plan France’s postwar recovery. He also worked on economic integration in Western Europe.
In 1958, Charles De Gaulle asked Delouvrier to serve as his chief executive in Algeria. Delouvrier prepared the transition to civilian rule. He also implemented an economic and social program for the country.
From 1961 to 1969, Delouvrier represented the French Government for the Paris region. He created the Master Plan for the area’s development. He designed new satellite towns. He is also credited with creating an efficient commuter network. This network connects to the Paris Metro.
In 1969, Delouvrier became President of Électricité de France. From 1979, he was President of l’Établissement public du Parc de la Villette. This park was constructed on the former abattoirs in Paris.
The Institut Paul Delouvrier was established in his memory in Paris. The Musée Paul Delouvrier in Évry is also named after him.
The Place Paul Delouvrier itself was created in 2007. It was formed on part of the Quai de l’Oise. A municipal decree on January 24, 2007, established it.
The Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie is a major attraction here. Paul Delouvrier played a key role in its creation. The science museum is the largest in Europe. It has welcomed over 70 million visitors since opening in 1986.
The Villette site was once home to Paris abattoirs and a cattle market. In 1977, President Valery Giscard d’Estaing launched a plan to transform the area. Paul Delouvrier headed the Etablissement Public du Parc de la Villette. Work began in 1979 to clear the area.
Physicist Maurice Levy proposed the idea of a science museum. He suggested using an unfinished building intended for cattle auctions. Architect Adrien Fainsilber won the design competition in 1980. His design included water, vegetation, and light.
So, as we stand here in Place Paul Delouvrier, consider the legacy of the man. His work shaped not only this area but also the broader Paris region. His contributions to urban development and science make this place a fitting tribute.