JultikaUniversity of Oulu repository

Abstract

Manigod is a small village located in the French Alps, attracting many visitors due to its location and lanscape. However, this newcomers with urban lifestyles and good incomes have participated in the spatial and cultural transformation of the territory. This gentrification leads to significant effects on land prices, commercial offers, and the transformation of landscapes, which can lead to an increase in social inequalities and exclusion processes.

This creates also an imbalance between the heart of the village and the ski resort located further. The ski resort has for many years a good dynamism during tourist season, especially during winter thanks to snow activities while the heart of the village became a place of passage over the years.

However, we know that snow will become rarer and rarer in villages like Manigod with an average altitude. If the municipality wants to continue to take advantage of its tourism we have to start thinking about a renewal for the tourist activities and imagine winter without snow. Moreover, it is essential to give back the importance of the inhabitants, who have been somewhat forgotten in favor of tourism.

Besides, different empty existing buildings in the village have the potential to be renovated to become part of the village’s life and welcome various activities.

From this assessment, I want to suggest a project that answers those issues to revitalize the heart of the village. I want a project that gathers people whether locals or tourists with the idea to create a harmonious space.

We know that the construction sector is responsible for an important part of the CO2 emissions so in this report I also want to show that sometimes using what is already there instead of constructing new buildings can also generate nice spaces. This is why I want to study one of the existing empty buildings as part of my thesis and think about a better way to renovate it and offer a program determined by the challenges of living together and revitalizing the village.

This thesis seeks to provide solutions for the sustainable development of the village by respecting its history, its identity, and its heritage.