Rue Busserade

Tucked away in Marseille’s 3rd arrondissement, Rue Busserade isn’t just any street. It’s Marseille’s first “rue des enfants,” a street designed for children. Rue Busserade is a pedestrianized haven, generously planted and offering a refreshing escape from the city bustle. Imagine this street as a vibrant link, connecting the historic Caserne du Muy to the bustling Rue Belle de Mai. This pedestrian area fosters artistic expression and extracurricular activities. The design of Rue Busserade encourages maximum use with minimal intervention. The pedestrian walkway is divided into bands of vegetation, minerals, and circulation paths. This leads from Rue Massena towards Rue Transversale. The abundant greenery and light-colored pavements create a cool oasis during warmer months. They also contribute to the street’s de-impermeabilization. Rue Busserade is more than just a street. It’s a dynamic space divided into four distinct yet complementary areas. There’s an inclusive playground, a street theater, an “outdoor school,” and a terrace for the adjoining ludotheque (toy library). Each area offers adaptable spaces available for local groups. These spaces allow for focused interventions, encouraging tactical urbanism where the form and materials of the projects are still to be determined. Local artists and children even have the opportunity to transform the western wall into a monumental fresco, turning Rue Busserade into a true landmark of the 3rd arrondissement. But Rue Busserade has also seen its share of trouble. In 2022, a group of adolescents vandalized the nearby Busserade-Massena school, tagging walls, smoking, and even urinating within the building before fleeing with stolen items. Despite the incident, Rue Busserade retains its charm. It serves as a testament to the city’s efforts to create child-friendly spaces.