Les Berges de Garonne

The banks of the Garonne River surrounding the MÉCA cultural centre are at the heart of a major urban regeneration project. By converting a former motorway exit into a tranquil green boulevard, the project symbolises the regeneration of southern Bordeaux. Drawing inspiration from Michel Corajoud's historic riverbank designs, the new development establishes a harmonious connection between public spaces, the river and active travel such as walking and cycling.
 

Lighting design that echoes architecture

To complement this green transition, the lighting design agency ON created a lighting scheme that extends and reinterprets the identity of the quays' using unique "lantern masts”. The concept involved designing illuminated street furniture to blend in with the landscape's unique character, accentuating its distinctive features and drawing inspiration from the surrounding buildings' architectural rhythms.

Our Schréder SIGNATURE team in Bourges worked closely with ON to design and manufacture a custom mask for the NAJACOISE luminaire. This bespoke element is central to the project, shaping the light and giving it a unique identity while creating a direct visual link to the local architecture. Drawing inspiration from the geometric motifs and openings of nearby buildings, the mask features circles of different sizes that create an attractive visual rhythm. Simple, graphic and instantly recognisable, the mask serves as a subtle nod to the site's identity.

The choice of the NAJACOISE luminaire is also part of an approach to historical continuity. Drawing inspiration from the initial developments along the Bordeaux quays, which were carried out by the LEA lighting design agency and characterised by the iconic BOREAL luminaire, it provides a modern interpretation of this style. This connection is reflected in an aesthetic that is both familiar and reimagined, combined with modern technologies such as high-performance LED lighting and energy optimisation. The result is a solution that is respectful of the site’s heritage yet forward-looking.
 

Guiding mobility and shaping the atmosphere

Almost 70 NAJACOISE luminaires have been installed on double and quintuple masts along the riverbanks. They safely guide cyclists and pedestrians while creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere along the waterfront. The chosen colour temperature of 2,200K enhances this soft, enveloping feel, making the riverbanks comfortable and inviting at night.

CITEA luminaires have been installed to enhance safety on the road. Fitted with 2,700K LEDs, they create a subtle contrast with the warmer pedestrian lighting, creating a delicate, clear distinction between the path and the road.
 

Distinctive night-time identity

The lighting along the riverbanks extends the historic landscape into the public space, creating a natural continuity between the river, footpaths and city. The lighting fixtures help to create a welcoming and cohesive atmosphere, illuminating the landscape at night while supporting the various activities that take place there.