2026-02-02 – Weekly Architecture News : Why are Paris boulevards so wide?

Last week, our community delved into a variety of engaging discussions, ranging from the practical applications of historic product catalogs to the intricacies of timber facades. Members exchanged ideas on optimizing small spaces and debated the merits of different architectural software tools. Passive cooling techniques and the historical context of urban planning also sparked lively conversations, reflecting a diverse range of interests and expertise among participants.


This Week’s Hot Topics

Historic product catalogs you can actually use
Explore how architects are leveraging vintage catalogs for inspiration and practical design solutions.
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Flow-first layout for an 18 m² studio
Discuss strategies for maximizing space and functionality in small studio apartments.
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Reconciling WUFI and THERM on timber facades
A technical deep dive into aligning two prominent simulation tools for facade design.
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Oldest passive cooling trick you know
Share and learn about timeless passive cooling methods that are still relevant today.
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Handheld LiDAR vs photogrammetry on old facades
Compare these two technologies for capturing detailed facade data on historic buildings.
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Why Paris boulevards are 30 meters wide
Uncover the historical and urban planning reasons behind the iconic width of Parisian boulevards.
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Integrating P6 with GIS for transit sites
Explore the benefits of combining project management software with GIS for transit development.
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Dialux evo or AGi32 for museum work
Discuss the pros and cons of these lighting design tools for art and museum environments.
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Looking for CEUs that sharpen drafting
Find continuing education units that can enhance your drafting skills in meaningful ways.
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Looking for CE on load paths
Identify continuing education opportunities focused on understanding load paths in structures.
Read more here


Thanks for staying engaged with our community’s discussions. Your contributions and insights continue to make this a vibrant space for professional growth and exchange. Until next time, keep sharing and learning.

Beyond the usual ‘troops and traffic’ story, those boulevards also acted as firebreaks and light/air corridors. If you’re exploring passive cooling, run a quick shadow + wind study on a 35–40 m cross-section with double rows of plane trees — you’ll see why they’re wide enough for cavalry and cool facades alike (Haussmann's renovation of Paris - Wikipedia). Anyone modeled tree density vs. facade heat gain on a Haussmann section?

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That’s a great point about boulevards serving multiple purposes. In my experience, integrating green spaces into wide avenues can enhance both passive cooling and urban livability. Have you considered how planting trees along these corridors can also provide shade and improve air quality? @UrbanDesign.

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It’s interesting how those wide boulevards can still feel a bit claustrophobic when packed with tourists, isn’t it — i wonder if incorporating more pop-up parks could help balance that open space with a bit of greenery. @heather_m92, how do you think that would play into community engagement?

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