Spatial Planning Field Trip to Lyon - November 2016

The postgraduate students in Spatial Planning (31 in total) went on a field trip to Lyon recently (from 14 to 18 November 2016). The field trip was designed to provide students with practical examples and experience of planning in another European country. Students (and staff) had a great time taking in the sights and learning from local academics and practitioners. Click on the blue links for more information.

The old part of Lyon is a UNESCO World Heritage site with some stunning buildings and vibrant colours (enhanced by the beautiful weather during the trip). The students visited the La Confluence regeneration project by the rivers Soane and Rhone and enjoyed spending a day working with students from Institut d'Urbanisme in Lyon. There was a group meal on the third evening which was followed by a cultural trip to the Beaujolais Festival 2016 in the centre of Lyon. Take a look at the itinerary and photos (courtesy of John Carnie)...

On Monday 14 November the students flew from Gatwick to Lyon, checked into their hotel and then walked via the river (Rhone) to the Lyon Institute of Planning (Institut d’Urbanisme de Lyon or IUL for short) for a presentation on Spatial Planning in Lyon, by Dr Roelof Verhage (Director of IUL).

The next day (Tuesday 15 November), the students went on an introductory walking tour of the city centre in the morning, visiting the St Jean Cathedral, Place Bellecour, and crossing over the Rhone and Saone Rivers. The students moved onto the Part Dieu district for lunch and a presentation on planning in Greater Lyon (Lyon Métropole), by Gilles Sabaterie, from Agence d’Urbanisme de Lyon. And now the photos from Tuesday...

On Wednesday 16 November the students visited IUL to work on projects in particular areas of the city, with some of the IUL students (in English). There were five sub-groups, looking at the following areas: Carré de Soie, Villeurbanne Gratte-Ciel, Part-Dieu, Croix Rousse - Bas des Pentes and La Duchère. This was followed by a group meal in the evening at Le Poêlon d'Or, a traditional Lyonnaise restaurant.

Thursday 17 November (and Beaujolais Nouveau Day). The students were off to the old part of Lyon for a walking tour and presentation with Philippe Lamy, Project Director, Mission Site Historique, Ville de Lyon. This was followed by a boat ride down the Saone from Vieux Lyon to La Confluence for a visit to La Confluence Visitor Centre, where the students saw a film and model, related to brownfield mixed use regeneration, and a walk through La Confluence. Take a walk through La Confluence yourself here.

The last day: Friday 18 November. The students went to the Lyon Metropole for a presentation at on Transport Planning in Lyon. Then there was some free time for a final look at Lyon before returning to the UK with plenty of new information and experiences.

For more information on Spatial Planning at Oxford Brookes, click here.