Parc des Ateliers, Arles: from railway site to vibrant green campus with TreeParker

Parc des Ateliers in Arles demonstrates how a former industrial railway site can be successfully redeveloped into a green, future-proof environment. Thanks to hundreds of new trees, native planting and the TreeParker system, a biodiverse campus has been created with a pleasant microclimate around the iconic LUMA Tower. The project forms an inspiring example of urban greening, climate adaptation and innovation.

What was once a disused industrial railway yard has grown into one of the most remarkable cultural destinations in the south of France. The historic Parc des Ateliers in Arles, where locomotives were built and maintained in the 19th century, has undergone an impressive transformation into a vibrant campus. Today, the site is home to LUMA Arles, an international centre for art, culture, research, innovation and education. The redevelopment of the former industrial area demonstrates how heritage, biodiversity and climate adaptation can be successfully integrated into a future-proof urban environment.

For the transformation of the former industrial site, a completely new landscape was created. In the park, almost 500 new trees were planted, together with tens of thousands of shrubs, grasses and perennials. The planting consists exclusively of species that naturally occur in the Mediterranean region, including strawberry trees (Arbutus unedo), holm oaks (Quercus ilex), Montpellier maples (Acer monspessulanum) and stone pines (Pinus pinea). The design is inspired by three characteristic landscapes around Arles: the Camargue, the Crau and the Alpilles. More than 80,000 trees, shrubs and plants together create a robust and climate‑resilient ecosystem.

Along Avenue Victor Hugo, trees have been planted using the TreeParker system, creating an optimal tree pit for trees in an urban environment. During a visit in the summer of 2024, it was clear that the trees are developing healthily and have now grown into mature specimens. Their canopies are providing increasing levels of shade on walkways and seating areas, significantly improving visitor comfort. In combination with the surrounding planting, the trees contribute to a cooler and more pleasant climate around the iconic LUMA Tower.

Parc des Ateliers is designed to create its own microclimate. A large pond, variations in the landscape levels and strategically placed planting help to lower the temperature, moderate the wind and significantly improve comfort for visitors. This has created a unique combination of architecture, biodiversity and climate adaptation.