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Rue Vilin: A Demolished Street's Legacy
The demolition of Rue Vilin in Paris and the lasting impact on memory and urban history.
French
France
LifestyleFranceHistoryParisMemoryDemolitionStreet
Editions Du Seuil
Georges PerecGabriële-BuffetMomo
- What happened to Rue Vilin in Paris?
- Rue Vilin, a street in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, was demolished in the early 1980s to make way for new development. Its history, however, lives on in the memories of residents and in the writings of author Georges Perec, who lived on the street as a child.
- How is the memory of Rue Vilin preserved?
- The demolition of Rue Vilin erased the physical street, but the memories and history of the place persist through personal accounts, photographs, and literature, such as Perec's writings. The street's name and former location still resonate in the neighborhood.
- What were the reasons behind Rue Vilin's demolition?
- Rue Vilin's demolition was part of a larger urban renewal project in Belleville that aimed to improve living conditions by creating more green spaces and modern infrastructure. The project prioritized the needs of the present and sacrificed some historical elements of the neighborhood in the process.
- Are there any physical remnants of Rue Vilin that remain?
- Though physically gone, remnants of Rue Vilin can be found in a small section still connecting Rue des Couronnes and Rue Julien-Lacroix. Its name is marked on street signs and the street's former path is easily traced, preserving a tangible link to the past.
- How does Georges Perec's work relate to the history of Rue Vilin?
- Georges Perec's writings about his childhood on Rue Vilin provide valuable insights into the street's history and the impact of its demolition. His work helps to keep the memory of the street alive and offers a unique perspective on urban change and personal memory.