Project Europ
Matthieu Bisasur. Curepipe, Mauritius
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Name of work in English
Project Europ
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Name of work in original language
Projet Europ
Prize year
Young Talent 2025
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Work Location
Curepipe, Mauritius
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Author/s
Matthieu Bisasur
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School
Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture Montpellier La Réunion - University La Réunion.
Le Port, Réunion
Young Talent 2025 YT Open Nominees
Project Europ
Reinventing the Europa Hotel: Urban and Architectural Rehabilitation for a Dynamic and Sustainable City.
Program
Mixed use - Infrastructure & Urban
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Labels
Aggregation · Gardens & Parks · Heritage · Parking · Regeneration · Tram · Energy
The project revitalizes the Europa Hotel in Curepipe, Mauritius, tackling urban decline and the lack of youth-oriented spaces. Integrating the nearby tramway reconnects the site to the city, fostering renewal. The abandoned building is transformed into a multifunctional hub with student housing, shared spaces, and green areas, enhancing urban life and social interaction while promoting sustainability and cohesion.
The rehabilitation project of the Europa Hotel is part of an urban revitalization initiative in Curepipe, aiming to reconnect the building with its surroundings and address the city’s urban challenges. Located on the outskirts of the city center, the site occupies a strategic crossroads with a nearby tramway station and transport infrastructure. This central position becomes a key driver for improving accessibility and mobility, strengthening the connection between the Europa Hotel and the rest of the city. The project reimagines the public space by reorganizing pedestrian circulation around the building and creating open and green areas to encourage social interactions and enhance residents' quality of life. Features such as hanging gardens and courtyards are integrated into the structure, capturing natural light while reducing urban heat islands and contributing to environmental improvements in the city. The project’s architecture stands out for its respect for existing materials and a bioclimatic approach. The original structure is preserved and enhanced with new elements, such as sunshades and green roofs. Student housing and communal spaces, located across various levels, are arranged around open-air walkways, allowing for fluid circulation and maximum interaction among residents. Each space is designed to foster social connections while ensuring necessary privacy. The use of local materials, such as raw concrete and wood, reinforces the project’s sustainability and its local integration. In this way, the project combines architectural rehabilitation, urban improvement, and sustainable development to create a vibrant and connected space, capable of revitalizing the neighborhood while addressing the needs of young people and local residents.