Experience Grand Paris

This new space, dedicated entirely to the technical challenges accompanying the construction of four new Métro lines and 68 Grand Paris Express stations, first opened its doors for the recent Journées du Patrimoine heritage days, and now welcomes all visitors. Its goal? To provide experts, engineers, economic decision-makers and – of course – future users with a forum for examining changes to this infrastructure. As a worldwide player operating in the sectors of building, infrastructure and industry, Bouygues Construction has had the opportunity of an early ‘sneak peek’ at this space.

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Bringing a dream to life

The Fabrique du métro makes extensive use of digital technology. In a room created for this purpose, visitors can don 3D glasses to explore actual digital mock-ups (BIM) of the various projects. It offers a deeply immersive look at the tools being used by site managers. Another highlight is an image library presenting viewable depictions of every station, each featuring its own highly distinctive architecture, with a touch-screen terminal showing the various project stages.

However, first and foremost, the Fabrique du métro is an experience zone. An almost life-size station platform and hall have been installed to show users the architecture and equipment that will be available. From signage to furniture, everything will be gradually tested and assessed by visitors, including infrastructure accessibility. After all, the entire network has been designed to be welcoming to persons of reduced mobility.

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Life of the project

little-known aspect of the project: what happens within the inner workings of Grand Paris, and especially the operation of the impressive tunnel boring machines. Visitors learn that these machines even have first names – such as Virginie, the largest such machine in the Greater Paris region, working on the GC-TUN section of the Eole project being delivered by the Bouygues Public Works team.

This Bouygues Construction subsidiary is a major player in the Grand Paris works, and has been awarded several contracts: the northern extension of Métro line 14 and southern line 15, including the construction of stations such as the one at Fort d’Issy-Vanves-Clamart. The Group is not limited to transport infrastructure: it also handles a number of real-estate development projects, including seven projects it was awarded as part of the “Inventons la Métropole du Grand Paris” initiative, and also the refurbishment of two Métro stations on line 14 – Porte de Clichy. These are all flagship projects which will soon embody the new face of Grand Paris.

The Fabrique du métro is an innovative, collaborative initiative which will answer stakeholders’ questions and assist in implementing the Grand Paris changes. To find out about a visit, click here: https://societedugrandparis.fr/gpe/visiter-la-fabrique-du-metro