Sablar, a district on the edge of the Barthes wetlands in southwest France, is shaped by its relationship with the Adour River and the flooding it brings. Historically fragmented from the landscape by urbanization, the area now suffers from weakened water management and increased flood risk. This project rethinks Sablar’s role within the wider hydraulic system, aiming to restore its connection to the river and the Barthes.

The proposal works with the natural topography, recognizing the floodplain to the northwest and the elevated areas to the southeast. These zones become the foundation for targeted interventions, including redefined pathways, green infrastructure, and new public spaces. Water management is the guiding thread, with each intervention designed to enhance Sablar’s flood resilience while reintroducing ecological functions and public accessibility.

Instead of rigid masterplanning, the project adapts to the site’s complexities, proposing a series of incremental actions that align with the district’s unique conditions. These steps aim to restore Sablar’s natural character and transform it into a vibrant threshold between the urban fabric and the biodiverse wetlands of the Barthes, offering both ecological and social value.