by LDV Studio Urbain

Some dream of an apartment bathed in light, a stone’s throw from cafes and bookstores. Others of a house surrounded by greenery, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, with a garden to grow tomatoes and flowers. These ostensibly opposing desires have been running through our societies for centuries and reflect great collective ideas: technical progress, individualism, social equality or a return to nature. Living is not just about housing: it is about choosing a living environment that reflects our values and desires.

Since ancient times, the city has fascinated as much as it repels. For the Greeks and Romans, the city was much more than a place to live: it was the heart of political, cultural and religious life. Aristotle saw in the polis the natural framework of “living together”, where man could fulfill his social nature. At the same time, Plato and Cicero were already criticizing it as a space where diseases and social tensions accumulate. This ambivalence has provided inspiration for many utopias through the ages and still runs through our urban imaginations today. Continue reading →