After a decade of planning and construction, the six-hectare Mareterra development has been completed off Monaco’s coast. Designed by the Valode & Pistre Architects French firm, this ambitious project has added a new district into Monaco’s territory to residential areas, public services, and greenery in the much-needed attempt at resolving the problem of urban growth for Monaco. A very pedestrian-friendly landscape in which one would find the promenade, a public park, and art installations beautify Larvotto Beach.

Mareterra’s design contains the juxtaposition of cutting-edge architecture with environmental sensitivity. It ensures a curved form, as well-integrated into the extension that provides a smooth flow of natural currents from marine bodies while upholding the health of these waters. There are 18 submerged caissons under this extension, which have watertight structures in them and can harbor algae and other marine species on their surface, fostering marine life. The surrounding waters are also augmented with artificial seagrass beds, thus further enhancing the area’s ecological sustainability.

The development is not only an engineering feat but also a commitment to sustainability. It incorporates renewable energy to power 80% of its heating and cooling needs, in line with Monaco’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. Public spaces, which account for nearly half of the extension, include a one-hectare park and a promenade that links directly to Larvotto beach. The district also has Les Jardins d’Eau, a downtown area with four apartment houses with views of the sea and well-groomed landscape settings.

Among other architectural contributions, Renzo Piano contributed to the project with two important designs: Le Renzo, a residential building in the form of a ship, and Quatre Lances, a small museum containing an installation by the late Alexander Calder. The latter was commissioned by Princess Grace of Monaco in 1966 and is now on view in a specially designed space by Piano’s studio. The Renzo’s broken ship-like form is meant to be a landmark for Mareterra, whose white-blue color echoes the sky and sea.

Mareterra is a step in the right direction to address Monaco’s land shortage while prioritizing sustainability, public space, and ecological integration, making it a model for future land reclamation projects worldwide.