MVRDV’s participation in the Inventons la Metropole Grand Paris competition saw the further development of ideas regarding dwelling innovation. In response to the competition brief, MVRDV proposed a daring hybrid residential typology that challenges the conventional boundaries of architecture and catalyses the proliferation of diverse lifestyles.

To realise this vision the project employs a nudge approach that seeks to create ‘vicinity units’. Scaled in proportion to the building and assembled in a manner that stimulates interaction, the units articulate an animated neighbourhood within the building envelope. Interstitial ‘left-over’ spaces, neither strictly urban nor domestic, host an array of functions and programs that are slowly disappearing from our cities.

A ‘vertical village’ tucked underneath a generous greenhouse, MVRDV conceptualized the different units as Jenga blocks stacked in a manner that generates large terraces for planting and leisure. This method also allowed for the placement of gardens and protective canopies on the roof. The Jardin Habité heralds the renewal and recovery of nature in the city on the Avenue de Verdun.

MVRDV's entry into the competition led to a follow-up project that will be realised on a nearby site.