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TWENTY YEARS LATER: FINDING OUR WAY AGAIN ON THE ROAD TO OUR HILL
A remarkable site
Perched atop « Meudon-Rodin Hill» in France is a museum that houses works by the sculptor Auguste Rodin. There are also artist studios, ancient and grandiose chalk quarries, exceptional look-outs, and exhilarating views of the Val de Seine landscape (the Valley of the river Seine) with its special light, geology, topography and vegetation. In addition, two historic rail viaducts contribute to the unique nature of this site.
It was with good reason that Rodin chose to live here in his last years. Through the decades other artists inevitably recognised the immense potential of this location conducive to their work, and so set up their workshops and studios. Geologists from all over the world have thronged to study the depths of the hill which has also been the research area of many an architect’s thesis. In addition, despite difficulty of access, « Meudon-Rodin Hill » continues to be a source of inspiration and nourishment to visitors.
A fragile site
Today the « Meudon-Rodin Hill » complex is in a state of dilapidation and decay. The composition of the underground and the hydrologic network, plus the abundance of quarries which constitute a fragile equilibrium demanding care and constant attention are nevertheless neglected. The area’s residents suffer rubbish heaps, abandonned houses and the erosion of roads. And yet, without any clear-cut plan of action, residents and businesses lack the necessary drive to determine the planning and building of a healthy future in and of the area.
A coveted site
The deplorable situation demands that concrete urban and architectural projects be undertaken, and that they address and are on a par with the district’s fragility and inherent worth as a rich cultural and geographic heritage site.
Unfortunately over the past twenty years numerous planning and development projects have been attempted by real-estate companies that have been entirely indifferent and insensitive to the spirit and context of the place, and whose prime focus has been maximum commercial exploitation and profit.
We strongly urge rather, that the site retain its importance and value as a place for strolling and relaxation, open over the city, that the very existence of the quarries (classified or not as protected zones) , and the durable artistic nature and function of the hill remain unforgotten, supported and developped.
An evolving site
In face of opposition organized by residents of Meudon, artists and scientists, and various local and national institutions, real-estate projects have all failed so far.
Nevertheless further real-estate projects continue to threaten the future of this site. Not to put a stop to them once and for all would be tantamount to reducing the last twenty years of resistance to nothing.
Considering the hard line of the local democratic authorities on this point, and the fact that the future of « Meudon-Rodin » can’t be defined within the normal policies of municipal real-estate promotiion, we the committee solicit your support.
Through your support this conflict can be brought to the attention of concerned people and institutions at all levels: departmental, regional, national and international, some of whom, in the past and oftentimes, have manifested a sincere interest in and preoccupation with the future of this site.
Committee for the Evolution of « Site Meudon-Rodin »
21, avenue Le Corbeiller
92190 Meudon
France
(traduction : vivie’ vinçent)
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