Publications
Did the 2019 notre-dame cathedral fire impact the lead contamination of sediment in the Seine River in Paris, France?
A study analyzing sediment from the Seine River in Paris found that while lead (Pb) contamination spiked in 2020, the Notre-Dame Cathedral fire was not a significant contributor. The research compared sediment samples collected during floods in 2016, 2020, and 2021, revealing that 2020's deposits—likely older subsurface material—showed higher contamination levels, particularly near Notre-Dame. Some samples matched isotopic signatures of the fire's dust, but overall, urban sources dominated Pb pollution. The findings suggest the fire had a negligible impact on river sediment contamination, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring to address public concerns.
Abundance and distribution of tire and road wear particles in the Seine River, France
Tire and road wear particles (TRWP) concentrations in the Seine River, France, show a significant decrease from historical data, with sediment-based estimates revealing higher levels than surface water measurements. The study employed a modified pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) method to minimize matrix interferences, improving upon current ISO standards for TRWP analysis. Additionally, the zinc content in sediment provided an alternative estimate, showing significantly higher TRWP concentrations than the Py-GC/MS method. Samples were collected from eight locations along the Seine, including urban and undeveloped areas, as well as near its estuary mouth, with sediment traps deployed to quantify TRWP flux. The findings highlight the importance of refined analytical methods for accurate environmental risk assessment.
Mission Tara Microplastics: a holistic set of protocols and data resources for the field investigation of plastic pollution along the land-sea continuum in Europe
A comprehensive investigation of plastic pollution along nine major European rivers, including the Seine, reveals significant variability in microplastic (MP) concentrations and composition across salinity gradients. The Mission Tara Microplastics study employed a holistic approach, integrating biophysicochemical measurements, microbial diversity analysis, and toxicity tests to assess MP impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Key findings highlight differences in plastic pollution traits among rivers, providing a baseline for the Anthropocene era and insights into potential toxicological effects. By tracking MPs from land to sea, the study also models their transport and examines the role of plastics as vectors for pathogens or invasive species. Standardized protocols were developed to ensure rigorous data collection, supporting predictive modeling aligned with European environmental initiatives.
Afterword. Heritage as Management of Sacralities
Notre-Dame Cathedral, a central element of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Paris, Banks of the Seine,' embodies multiple dimensions of sacrality—religious, cultural, touristic, and symbolic. Its destruction in 2019 revealed the complex interplay between these aspects, transcending its role as a mere religious site to become a global icon and focal point for identity. The study highlights how Notre-Dame's significance spans geographic, economic, social, and political realms, often with paradoxical overlaps. Through qualitative analysis of public reactions and institutional responses, including Pope Francis' prayer call, the research underscores the cathedral's enduring influence beyond France, challenging conventional notions of sacrality in heritage management.
TheMaréoramain the 1900 Universal Exhibition: a simulated Mediterranean voyage from the banks of the Seine
The Maréorama, a multi-sensory panorama at the 1900 Universal Exhibition, revolutionized immersive simulation by combining period-relevant artistic codes with technological innovation. This sophisticated device offered audiences a half-hour boat trip across the Mediterranean, blending elements of early cinema, prestidigitation, and Wagnerian 'total work of art' to create a highly realistic experience. The study argues that the Maréorama's success lay in its integration of traditional rotunda designs with mobile panorama effects, physical motion, and interactive spectator engagement, setting a new standard for mimetic immersion. Inspired by contemporary imaginaries like Jules Verne's novels, the Maréorama exemplified the utopian potential of overcoming time and space limitations, becoming a landmark in the evolution of panoramic technology.
Geografii teatrale pe firul istoriei și al râului (II): Sena la Paris
A key finding of this study is the dual significance of Paris as both 'The City of Light'—a title rooted in its pioneering gas street lighting under Louis XIV and its intellectual enlightenment legacy—and a hub for theatrical civilization. The research maps the evolution and geography of notable theaters, including Bourgogne, Marais, and Guénégaud, along the Seine River during the eras of Corneille, Racine, and Molière. By analyzing historical records and spatial distributions, the study reveals how these theaters shaped Parisian cultural identity and theatrical traditions. This approach combines archival research with geographical analysis to trace the interplay between urban development, river dynamics, and theatrical innovation on both banks of the Seine.
Strategies for Post-COVID Cities: An Insight to Paris En Commun and Milano 2020
Urban resilience to future epidemics can be enhanced by three key strategies: decentralization of facilities, hierarchization of transport and public services, and redundancy of public functions. This insight emerges from a comparative analysis of the Paris en Commun and Milano 2020 post-COVID urban strategies against the epidemic prevention area (EPA) framework proposed by researchers in China. The study highlights that these factors not only improve a city's preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks but also contribute to its quality, equity, and overall resilience.
The Restoration and Reconstruction of Notre-Dame of Paris: A Test for the Profession
The devastating fire of April 15, 2019, that destroyed Notre-Dame de Paris's eight-hundred-year-old roof and nineteenth-century spire while miraculously preserving the rest of the cathedral underscored its profound global significance as a symbol of spiritual and historical value. This disaster, compounded by its UNESCO World Heritage status, presented an unprecedented challenge to preservation professionals, testing their expertise in restoration and reconstruction. The study examines the emotional and structural aftermath, highlighting the complexities of safeguarding such iconic landmarks while balancing historical integrity with modern conservation techniques.
De la carrière à la base de loisir : la transformation touristique d’un territoire en marge, l’exemple francilien
A shift from industrial and agricultural use to recreational tourism has reshaped the marginal territories along the Seine River in the Paris region, integrating them into urban leisure spaces. This transformation, driven by post-war population growth and policy initiatives, created outdoor leisure centers that prioritized nature access for Ile-de-France residents. The study reveals how state and regional policies facilitated this transition, blending marginal lands into the urban fabric while addressing recreational needs. By analyzing policy implementation and territorial integration, researchers highlight a model for balancing development with environmental preservation in densely populated areas.
Latin Blackness in Parisian Visual Culture, 1852–1932
A study of Parisian visual culture from 1852 to 1932 reveals how Latin Americans were depicted through a 'Latinizing' lens, which both denigrated European-descended elites and whitened Black Latin Americans for assimilation. The research identifies mid-19th-century codes used in popular media to portray Latin Americans as inferior, contrasting them with colonial Africans and other Black populations. Case studies of Cuban circus performer Chocolat, Panamanian boxer Alfonso Teofilo Brown, and Uruguayan artist Pedro Figari’s paintings show shifts in visual representation between 1890 and 1933, highlighting the complex interplay between race, identity, and empire in Paris.
Where did the first divorced people live in Paris and its suburbs?
Divorce rates following France's 1884 reauthorization were highest in the Seine département, with divorced individuals predominantly residing on Paris's Right Bank and its western suburbs. A spatial analysis of 20 arrondissements and 74 suburban municipalities revealed that this distribution correlated with economic structures, social acceptance, and cultural norms, particularly enabling women to live independently post-divorce. The study also noted a marked urban-rural divide, where divorced individuals were less likely to reside in rural areas.
Girls wanna have more than fun: The alternative geography of lesbian gathering in Paris
Lesbian and queer women in Paris have adapted their strategies for visibility and gathering, disrupting heteronormative urban spaces. The study reveals that since 2010, the closure of traditional lesbian businesses has been offset by the rise of itinerant and ephemeral parties, particularly on the right bank of the Seine, alongside new digital and informal networking methods. These shifts reflect broader trends in LGBTQ spatial occupation, driven by factors such as gentrification, digital communication, and cultural associations. The research combines historical analysis, social media tracking, and fieldwork to map these changes, highlighting how lesbian visibility has become more open, powerful, and ubiquitous through alternative geographies.
Tracing the sources of suspended sediment and particle-bound trace metal elements in an urban catchment coupling elemental and isotopic geochemistry, and fallout radionuclides
Research on the Orge River, part of the Seine basin in France, reveals that urban areas are a significant and consistent source of particle-bound trace metal contamination, particularly lead (Pb), with isotopic analysis confirming an 'urban' signature linked to road deposited sediments. The study found that while urban-derived particles dominate during low-flow periods, their contribution diminishes during seasonal floods due to increased input from less contaminated agricultural soils and riverbanks. Trace elements like Cu, Zn, Pb, and Sb show increasing contamination levels with higher urbanization, underscoring the need for better management of urban runoff to mitigate diffuse pollution in rivers draining urban catchments.
Super-gentrification and hyper-tourismification in Le Marais, Paris
Le Marais, Paris, exemplifies the complex interplay between tourism, gentrification, and heritage. The study introduces 'hyper-tourismification,' a stage of tourism development marked by an ultra-sophisticated, high-end product that reshapes urban morphology. It links this phenomenon to residential and commercial gentrification, revealing how tourism accelerates the transformation of historic districts. Le Marais, originally a 17th-century district with decaying mansions, underwent densification in the 19th century due to industrial businesses. The research connects these processes, offering insights into the dynamics of urban change driven by tourism and gentrification.
The Capital of Tennis: Jeux de Paume as Urban Sport Facilities in Fifteenth- and Sixteenth-Century Paris
Paris emerged as the epicenter of tennis culture during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, with its jeux de paume facilities serving as pivotal urban sport hubs. This study reveals that the city's diverse sociocultural milieus—including royal residences, princely hotels, artisan quarters, and university districts—fueled a steady demand for tennis among both players and spectators, particularly appealing to the aristocracy. The research examines the urbanistic and socioeconomic prerequisites shaping this sport culture while analyzing its economic dynamics. It also explores the ambivalent perceptions of city magistrates and contemporaries, highlighting tensions between leisure activities and urban governance in premodern Paris.
Inspirations and Antecedents of Tactical Urbanism
Tactical urbanism, often perceived as a modern innovation, has deep historical roots. This study reveals that its core principles—temporary, low-cost, flexible, iterative, and participatory approaches to urban planning—have been employed throughout history, from Roman military encampments to the illicit bookstalls of 16th-century Paris (les bouquinistes) along the Seine and the ephemeral White City at the 1892 Chicago World’s Fair. By reframing these historical precedents for the digital age, Lydon and Garcia demonstrate that tactical urbanism is not a novel concept but an evolution of long-standing placemaking strategies. The research employs a comparative approach to trace the continuity and adaptation of these principles across eras, offering insights into their enduring relevance in addressing contemporary urban challenges.
A City for Woody Allen? The New Banks of the Seine in Paris, a Product of Rootless Sociology and City Planning
A critical analysis of Paris's 2013 transformation of the Left Bank Seine expressway into a pedestrian promenade reveals it as a superficial, prestige-driven project with significant unintended consequences. The study argues that despite its aesthetic appeal and leisure enhancements, the initiative lacks substantive sociological or urban planning foundations, raising concerns about its impact on urban quality of life and the moralization of mobilities. This critique challenges the underlying ideology of such projects, suggesting they prioritize image over functional or social benefits.
Recirculation cells in a wide channel
A groundbreaking study on the Seine River reveals the presence of remarkably regular, stationary recirculation cells—pairs of counter-rotating vortices—spanning the entire width of a straight river reach. These structures, observed using acoustic Doppler current profiling, challenge traditional interpretations that attribute such flows solely to boundary effects like duct corners. The research demonstrates that these secondary flow cells contribute significantly to momentum transfer, comparable to classical turbulent transfer. This finding sheds new light on fluid dynamics in wide channels and has implications for understanding riverine processes.
The invisible archaeologist: Letters from the UNESCO Secretariat 1946–1947
A unique glimpse into the foundational work of UNESCO reveals its post-war origins as a nexus of pre-war cosmopolitan networks and colonial structures, challenging the notion of an officially neutral Secretariat. Through 81 original letters penned by Olov R. T. Janse—a Swedish archaeologist with diverse international experience—researchers uncover the human realities shaping UNESCO's establishment in post-war Paris. These letters, rich in detail, document Janse's six-month tenure (November 1946–May 1947) and his connections to global intellectual and colonial systems, situating UNESCO's foundation between nostalgia for pre-war eras and aspirations for a peaceful future.
A Generic Augmented Reality Telescope for Heritage Valorization
An innovative augmented reality telescope has been developed to enhance the exploration and valorization of heritage sites, addressing challenges posed by globalization. This generic, ergonomic, modular system allows tourists to access detailed heritage information through a panoramic view with optional zooming features. Tested in Paris along the Seine River, the telescope demonstrates its practical utility and adaptability for global deployment. The design prioritizes user-friendly interaction while maintaining scalability and extensibility, offering a novel solution for preserving cultural identity through immersive technology.
An Interpretative Tour of Paris as Fashion Capital
Paris's status as the global fashion capital is not merely a matter of aesthetic appeal but a complex interplay of material and symbolic production, historical narratives, and media discourse. Agnès Rocamora's analysis reveals that Parisian fashion transcends its tangible elements to embody cultural significance, luxury, and glamour, deeply rooted in the city's identity. The study employs a hermeneutic approach, combining Bourdieu's theory of cultural fields with Foucault's insights on media discourses, to dissect how fashion media constructs and perpetuates this phenomenon. By examining iconic imagery like L'Officiel magazine covers, Rocamora demonstrates that Parisian fashion is both a material reality and a discursive construct, seducing audiences through a blend of visual allure and cultural narrative. This work offers a rigorous historical and theoretical framework to understand fashion as an exemplary global phenomenon.
Effects of photoperiod on egg production in Eurytemora affinis Poppe, 1880 (Copepoda: Calanoida) from the Seine Estuary (France)
Research on the calanoid copepod Eurytemora affinis in the Seine Estuary reveals that short photoperiods (≤12 hours of light) and constant darkness can induce diapausing egg production, with a maximum of 6% observed under these conditions. This finding suggests that E. affinis, a key species in the estuary's mesozooplanktonic community, employs an egg bank strategy for long-term survival or adverse condition resilience. The study used an experimental device combining five photoperiods and two temperatures to assess diapausing egg production across two clutches, also noting a significant increase in non-viable eggs between clutches. While photoperiod is a key factor, other environmental variables likely influence this reproductive strategy. The observed diapausing egg percentage (7%) aligns with natural sediment samples from the estuary, supporting the hypothesis of an adaptive survival mechanism.
L’eau dans la fabrique urbaine de Paris du Ier au XIXe siècle
A significant shift in the urban center of Paris from the left to the right bank of the Seine during the Middle Ages, along with its long-term impact on city growth, has been revealed through advanced spatial analysis. This discovery highlights how access to water structured the surrounding urban space between the 1st and 13th centuries, providing new insights into historical urban dynamics. The study leveraged archaeological, written, and planimetric documentation, including the vectorized 'Atlas Vasserot' from ANR's 'ALPAGE' program, to map data on water supply and drainage networks such as fountains, wells, and sewers. This approach enabled a comprehensive understanding of how these elements influenced urban development across both banks of the Seine from the 12th to the 19th centuries.
Female Agency and Early Modern Urbanism
Queen Maria de’ Medici’s urban interventions during her regency (1610–17) fundamentally reshaped early modern Paris, particularly the Left Bank, through ambitious projects like the Luxembourg Palace and the Arcueil Aqueduct. These initiatives, analyzed using new archival evidence by Sara Galletti, formed a cohesive urban plan that redefined the city’s relationship with the Seine, expanded its boundaries beyond medieval limits, and set lasting developmental trajectories. The study highlights Maria de’ Medici’s role in transforming Parisian urbanism alongside broader royal and private sector efforts during the early 17th century.
Jacques Copeau: The quest for sincerity
Jacques Copeau's late transition from literature to theatre marked the foundation of a revolutionary theatrical approach. At 32, he directed his first adaptation and later established the Théâtre du Vieux Colombier on Paris' Seine, stripping it of opulence to embody simplicity and sincerity. This shift, supported by friends from Nouvelle Revue Française, redefined theatrical spaces and practices, emphasizing authenticity over traditional grandeur.
Intangible Heritage and Erasure: Rethinking Cultural Preservation and Contemporary Museum Practice
This article challenges conventional approaches to cultural preservation by critiquing UNESCO's 2003 intangible heritage framework, which, despite aiming to safeguard global diversity, risks institutionalizing culture as a set of endangered practices. It examines the politics of erasure and renewal in two high-profile museum contexts: Te Papa Tongarewa (New Zealand) and the Quai Branly Museum (Paris), revealing how indigenous identity politics intersect with heritage discourse. The study employs comparative analysis to expose tensions between normative preservation efforts and dynamic cultural identities, offering a nuanced perspective on contemporary museum practice.
Natural attenuation of priority and emerging contaminants during river bank filtration and artificial recharge
River bank filtration and artificial recharge significantly reduce the variety of organic contaminants, including drugs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, oestrogenic hormones, and others, found in Seine river water downstream of Paris. However, while these processes decrease the presence of many pollutants, they can inadvertently increase nonylphenols due to the anaerobic degradation of their precursors. Despite treatment, traces of aspirin, nonylphenols, and stimulants were occasionally detected in finished drinking water above 0.1 μg/L. The study monitored over 80 contaminants across five sampling campaigns at various stages of water treatment, including river water, bank filtration, artificial recharge, and post-treatment mixtures.
Bateau ivre
An innovative augmented reality (AR) installation on the Seine River, 'Bateau Ivre,' demonstrated how real-time image processing could transform public perception of urban landscapes. By projecting non-realistic visual effects—such as contouring and particle systems—onto Paris's riverbanks from a moving boat, the project offered an alternative to traditional tourist views, immersing viewers in a surreal, artistic experience accessible without specialized equipment. The study highlighted AR's potential as a mobile outdoor medium, blending technology with art while engaging large audiences through nightly video projections. This approach challenges conventional representations of World Heritage Sites by integrating dynamic, non-realistic elements into the viewing experience.
Der Beton, die Stadt, die Kunst und die Welt. Der Streit um die Pariser UNESCO-Gebäude
The UNESCO headquarters in Paris, built in the 1950s, embody complex spatial and material symbolism that reflects the political and social hierarchies of its time. While the architecture aimed to represent a new international order post-WWII, it fell short of initial visions, revealing unspoken assumptions about global governance. This study analyzes the building's design, construction debates, and contemporary critiques to uncover how concrete structures and urban planning encode power dynamics that persist today.
The Fragmented Politics of Urban Preservation
Urban preservation policies are shaped by political fragmentation, which acts as a filter constraining their implementation. This study identifies three types of political fragmentation—functional, intergovernmental, and territorial—that predictably influence the policy process in cities like Beijing, Paris, and Chicago. By combining political science theory with urban preservation studies, it reveals how these fragmented power structures serve as strategic tools for political actors to frame and promote their agendas. The research employs extensive fieldwork and archival data to compare cross-national patterns, offering a nuanced understanding of spatial and social governance in urban contexts.
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