Architect(s):  COLDEFY ASSOCIES ARCHITECTES URBANISTES / ATELIER D'ARCHITECTURE TRIPTYQUE / PILA STUDIO / MOZ PAYSAGE
Environmental expert(s): ZEFCO

MKNO addresses a multitude of complex challenges embracing a new paradigm within urban development. The development includes an ambitious environmental strategy and aspires to reconnect the two rivers of the Canal de l’Ourcq that will provide a new place for future local and metropolitan uses. The 50.000m² project will consist of student housing, residential dwellings, a mobility pole, hotels and offices. The ground floors will allow for a variety of services, including local shops, a kindergarten, a library and a food incubator.

MKNO projects to significantly reduce carbon emissions over its entire life cycle by using bio-sourced and recycled construction materials (25.000m3 of wood, 7.600m² of reused materials); at least 50% renewable energy and energy from heat recovery; and providing multiple solutions to accommodate for low carbon mobility (more than 1,000 bicycle parking spaces; creation of the “Garage Bleu”, an incubator focusing on new mobility). In addition, buildings will incorporate a modular design that increases flexibility to adapt to future needs. The project also includes an ambitious natural rainwater management system that connects to the canal and functions as a natural soil filtration system.

Key Components & Solutions

• Ambitious eco-mobility project thanks to a vehicle electrification demonstrator; a 1.000m2 new mobility incubator called "Garage Bleu"; and numerous low carbon mobility solutions such as shared bikes and cargo bikes. 

• The site offers more than 1.000 Bicycle parking spaces and no private vehicle parking is provided. Around 8.500 m2 of dedicated space towards urban mobility (river and road based) and urban logistic distribution. The project is also connected to a network of road and rail infrastructures to the south, which encourages the use of the public transport system.

• The project intends to cover up to 25% of the site with sustainable gardens and green areas, including 80% of native plant species. The project will acquire the BiodiverCity label.

• MKNO will recover heat energy from nearby sites, as well as using geothermal energy and recuperate on-site energy from grey water systems.

• In addition, the innovative reversible design of the buildings will achieve zero carbon emissions aiming to use wood and recycled construction materials.

Presentation of the site

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At the heart of Plaine de l’Ourcq, one of the main areas for the urban transformation of Greater Paris, the site consisting of the land of the future ex-MBK lot in Bobigny represents unique real estate potential of more than two hectares along the Canal de l’Ourcq.

The sector of the Canal de l’Ourcq has benefitted from major public investment and the establishment of economic stakeholders with international reputations over the past 10 years such as Chanel, BNP Paribas, BETC, THADDAEUS ROPAC Gallery of Contemporary Art …

The development of the MBK lot inside ZAC Ecocité will benefit from the urban dynamics created around the future Grand Paris Express stations of Bobigny Pablo Picasso and Pont de Bondy as well as from the multimodal hub of Bobigny - La Folie.


The proposed site should welcome a project to be ambitious in more ways than one: respecting natural and energy resources, triggering innovations in the field of water management and construction sites.

The proposed scheme will stand out because of its innovative response to new land uses and carry metropolitan influence ambitions and functions that will establish one of the new hubs of Greater Paris.

It will get the most from the exceptional presence of the embankments of the canal de l’Ourcq and the intensity of traffic flows on Rue de Paris, while being part of the mixed uses which will bring to life the entire redevelopment of the district.