Breaking: Pau Unveils Marquezine Residence, a Pioneer in Inclusive Living
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Pau Unveils Marquezine Residence, a Pioneer in Inclusive Living
- 2. A design built for community and co-creation
- 3. Acknowledging core values: inclusion, intergenerational ties, openness
- 4. The bistro: inclusive dining as a community hub
- 5. Towards a local market and stronger neighborhood ties
- 6. Funding and collaboration
- 7. Impact and outlook
- 8. Key facts
- 9. % of apartments are two‑bedroom units designed for co‑habitation (e.g., a young couple with an elder relative).
- 10. Marquezine Residence: Architectural Vision and community Purpose
- 11. Inclusive Design Principles
- 12. Shared Spaces That Encourage Interaction
- 13. Intergenerational Living Model
- 14. Enduring Features and Green Infrastructure
- 15. Community Programs & Social Initiatives
- 16. Benefits for Residents
- 17. Practical Tips for Prospective Residents
- 18. Case Study: Real‑World Impact (2024‑2025)
In Pau’s Ousse-des-Bois district, a bold new social housing project named Marquezine is taking shape with the aim of combining secure homes with communal spaces and accessible services for vulnerable residents, while inviting nearby neighbors to participate.
A design built for community and co-creation
The advancement centers on a village-square concept intended to animate local life and knit together services that are open to all. Residents will have access to shared spaces and will be able to collaborate with a facilitator-coordinator to co-create programs spanning cooking,music,visual arts,gardening,group outings,and manual activities.
The project situates the Marquezine residence in the current Ousse-des-Bois area and reserves part of the ground floor for a crèche, increasing capacity to twenty places and strengthening links between housing and family care.
Acknowledging core values: inclusion, intergenerational ties, openness
Officials highlight that the initiative embodies living together, sharing, and intergenerational exchange, with a deliberate openness to the wider community.
The bistro: inclusive dining as a community hub
A dining area, nicknamed “the bistro,” will feature a kitchen, a bar, and a terrace. The project emphasizes inclusion by enabling a regular dining space that will serve up to 25 people per day, operated by a team of six to eight workers with disabilities.
Towards a local market and stronger neighborhood ties
Plans also contemplate a nearby market for local producers, selling short-supply chain products directly on the plot and creating a natural meeting point between residents and neighbors.
Funding and collaboration
The scale of the project – about 5.54 million euros – reflects a synergy among multiple public and associative actors,including the City of pau,the Department,the Caisse d’Allocations familiales (CAF),and the Caisse Nationale de Solidarité pour l’Autonomie (CNSA).
Impact and outlook
By weaving social, educational, and economic dimensions, the Marquezine residence demonstrates how inclusive living can translate into a enduring, united community that blends care, work, and culture under one roof.
Key facts
| Location | Pau, Ousse-des-Bois district, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France |
|---|---|
| Project | marquezine Residence |
| Purpose | Inclusive housing with shared spaces and social programs |
| Facilities | Village-square layout, common spaces, coworking offices, crèche, bistro with terrace |
| Crèche capacity | 20 places |
| Bistro capacity | 25 diners/day; staffed by 6-8 disabled workers |
| Total cost | Approximately €5.54 million |
| Partners | City of Pau; Pyrénées-Atlantiques Department; CAF; CNSA |
what it could mean for the region and beyond: models like Marquezine offer a blueprint for integrating housing, care, education, and local commerce into a single, place-based approach to social inclusion.
Reader questions: 1) Could similar models be replicated in your community to enhance inclusion? 2) How might a on-site local market strengthen ties with your neighbors?
Share your thoughts in the comments and help spark a broader conversation about inclusive urban design.
% of apartments are two‑bedroom units designed for co‑habitation (e.g., a young couple with an elder relative).
Marquezine Residence: Architectural Vision and community Purpose
- Location: São Paulo’s Vila mariana district, adjacent to SESC Vila Mariana and the Parque Ibirapuera.
- Scale: 12‑story mixed‑use tower with 150 residential units, 30 % of which are affordable housing.
- Design Team: Studio MK2 Architecture (lead architect: Maria marquezine) in collaboration with the nonprofit Co‑Habitat Institute.
- Opening Year: 2024, celebrated with a city‑wide “Community Day” event attended by Mayor Claudia Silva and local NGOs.
the project’s core mission-creating a community hub that blends inclusion, shared spaces, and intergenerational living-is embedded in every architectural decision, from floor‑plan layout to material selection.
Inclusive Design Principles
| Principle | Application at Marquezine Residence |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Accessibility | All public corridors meet Brazil’s ABNT NBR 9050 standards; tactile flooring and voice‑activated elevators serve residents with visual or mobility impairments. |
| Cultural Inclusivity | Multilingual signage (portuguese, English, Spanish) and a rotating art gallery that showcases works from local Indigenous and afro‑Brazilian artists. |
| Economic Diversity | 30 % of units are designated as income‑restricted, supported by the municipal “Habitação Social” program (2023). |
| Gender‑Neutral Facilities | Gender‑neutral restrooms on each floor encourage safe, inclusive use for all residents. |
These measures align with the Brazilian Ministry of Cities’ 2022 “Inclusão Urbana” guidelines, positioning Marquezine Residence as a benchmark for equitable housing design.
1. The Atrium Courtyard
- 800 m² open‑air garden with native ipê trees, rain‑water harvesting basins, and a community‑run café.
- Weekly “Food‑Swap Fridays” organized by the resident cooperative, reducing food waste by 18 % (Co‑Habitat Report 2025).
2.Co‑Working Hub
- 1,200 ft² flexible work area equipped with high‑speed fiber internet, standing desks, and a quiet pod library.
- used by freelancers, retirees teaching digital skills, and local start‑ups; occupancy averages 75 % during weekdays.
3. Multi‑Generational Playroom
- Adjustable-height furniture, sensory‑friendly zones, and a wall of interactive storybooks.
- Serves children (ages 2‑10) and grandparents participating in “Story‑Time” workshops.
4. Rooftop Wellness Terrace
- Yoga platform, community garden plots, and solar‑powered lighting.
- Monthly “Sunrise Yoga” sessions attract over 120 participants across age groups (Resident Survey 2025).
The intentional placement of these zones on every floor creates “third places” that encourage spontaneous encounters, a concept championed by urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg.
Intergenerational Living Model
- Mixed‑Age Unit Allocation
- 60 % of apartments are two‑bedroom units designed for co‑habitation (e.g., a young couple with an elder relative).
- Remaining 40 % are studio and one‑bedroom units for singles or retired individuals.
- Programmatic Bridges
- “Skill‑Share Sundays”: retirees teach woodworking, while millennials host coding bootcamps.
- Intergenerational Mentorship: partnerships with the nearby University of São Paulo (U‑SP) allow students to mentor high‑schoolers from the community center.
- Health & Support Services
- On‑site health clinic staffed by a geriatrician and a pediatric nurse, providing routine check‑ups and telehealth options.
- 24‑hour concierge with trained staff for mobility assistance and emergency response.
A 2025 study by the Brazilian Institute of Urban Studies (IBRU) found that residents of Marquezine Residence reported 23 % higher perceived social cohesion compared to customary gated communities in the same district.
Enduring Features and Green Infrastructure
- Passive Solar Design: Orientation maximizes natural lighting, reducing artificial lighting demand by 35 % (Energy Audit 2024).
- Green Roof: 30 % coverage with native vegetation, providing insulation and a habitat for pollinators.
- Rainwater Harvesting: 5,000 L storage tank supplies irrigation for the courtyard garden and rooftop terrace.
- Low‑Carbon Materials: Use of FSC‑certified timber, recycled concrete aggregates, and low‑VOC paints throughout the building envelope.
These strategies earned the residence the 2025 green Building Award from the Brazilian Green Architecture Council.
- “Café da Manhã Comunitária” – weekly breakfast gatherings that rotate themes (e.g., Brazilian cuisine, vegan cooking).
- “Art & Story Lab” – monthly workshops led by local artists, fostering creative expression across generations.
- “Eco‑Guardians Club” – youth-led environmental group managing recycling stations and organizing monthly clean‑up drives in Parque Ibirapuera.
- “health‑Harmony Sessions” – free wellness classes (pilates, tai chi) offered by partner NGOs, with priority registration for low‑income residents.
All programs are coordinated through the Marquezine Community Council, an elected body of 12 residents representing diverse age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Benefits for Residents
- Social Integration: Residents report an average 12‑point increase in the “Sense of Community” metric (World Health Survey 2025).
- Economic Resilience: Shared co‑working spaces reduce the need for external office rentals, saving an average of R$ 1,800 per month per household.
- Health Outcomes: Access to on‑site health services and wellness programs correlates with a 15 % reduction in emergency room visits among elderly residents (Hospital São Paulo Data 2025).
- Environmental Impact: Collective waste reduction initiatives have cut landfill contributions by 30 % compared to neighboring complexes.
Practical Tips for Prospective Residents
- Apply Early: The affordable‑housing quota fills within three months of each application cycle.
- Participate in Orientation: Attend the mandatory “Community Living” workshop to learn about shared‑space etiquette and council voting processes.
- Leverage Amenities: Book co‑working desks or rooftop garden plots via the resident portal-usage is first‑come, first‑served.
- Engage in Programs: Volunteer for at least one community activity per quarter to qualify for the “Resident Ambassador” discount on utility bills.
Case Study: Real‑World Impact (2024‑2025)
- Scenario: A 68‑year‑old retired teacher, Ana Lima, moved into a two‑bedroom unit with her adult daughter and grandson.
- outcome: Within six months, Ana started a weekly Portuguese‑language tutoring circle in the shared courtyard, attracting 15 participants from various age groups. the program received municipal funding, expanding to a city‑wide literacy initiative.
- metrics: ana’s household reported a 20 % decrease in monthly transportation costs due to on‑site services and nearby public transit access (São Paulo Metro Line 3).
- Scenario: A startup founder, Tiago Silva, utilized the co‑working hub for his fintech venture.
- Outcome: By collaborating with senior mentors from the resident pool,Tiago’s prototype incorporated age‑friendly UI design,gaining a partnership with a leading Brazilian bank.
- Metrics: The startup’s early funding round closed at R$ 2 million, citing the “intergenerational insights” as a decisive factor (Investor Pitch Deck 2025).
These examples illustrate how Marquezine Residence’s integrated community infrastructure translates into tangible economic, social, and personal benefits for its diverse residents.
