At the dawn of Marseille 2013, European Capital of Culture, the old Greek city is undergoing a total make-over, already launched by large-scale urban planning projects in the Framework of Euroméditerranée.

To present the many faces of this city in construction and reconstruction, AA invited Marseille residents, architects and intellectuals, photographers and artists, to contribute to a feature article that strives to represent this wealth and diversity. Sensitive, generous, hard-working, resolute, never boring, the Provenìal capital is winning over its port, hearts and minds.

AA 389 - Urbanisme, Émergence, Chantier and Projets section

The Urbanisme section reviews current planning, seen through the passionate lens of Pascal URBAIN, urban planner and Marseille resident. Three photographers, Cyrille WEINER, Olivier AMSELLEM and Florent JOLIOT offer us their take on the city's dynamic chaos, completed by a view of the new seafront by Philippe TRÉTIACK. While IMBERNON and PARENTHÈSES are publishing works featuring the Phoenician city's most important landmarks, Marseille is celebrating the centennial of Fernand POUILLON.

Texts: Pascal Urbain, Laurence Martin, Philippe Trétiack and Rafaël Magrou

Photos: Florent Joliot, Cyrille Weiner and Olivier Amsellem

AA 389 - Urbanisme section

They are a meticulous duo whose networks intersect and whose work is well-crafted. Jérôme APACK and Céline TEDDÉ have proved their talent and precision in many public and community facilities, without being drawn by the temptation of acclaim.

Texts: Francesco Della Casa and Fanny Léglise

Photos: Jean-Michel Landecy and Florent Joliot

AA 389 - Émergence section

Marseille-based bauA, founded in 2002, shares affinities, an eye for detail and a taste for work. This enthusiastic foursome, accompanied by many meetings and collaborations, will complete three ambitious projects in 2012.

Texts: Francesco Della Casa and Fanny Léglise

Photos: Jean-Michel Landecy and Florent Joliot

AA 389 - Émergence section

The highlights of Marseille's program for the 2013 Capital of Culture, the Belle de Mai, Mucem and Cerem present contrasting construction procedures and symbolism. AA went to Marseille to clear up the confusion.

Text: Francesco Della Casa

Photos: Cyrille Weiner, Lisa Ricciotti and Florent Joliot

AA 389 - Chantier section

Four projects by four Marseille agencies: Jean-Marc CHANCEL, Rémy MARCIANO, Corinne VEZZONI et Raphaëlle SEGOND. For these recipients of the regional commission, the challenge is to inject a contemporary architecture into the Provenìal context. AA presents their construction proposals.

Texts: Francesco Della Casa, Fanny Léglise and Laurence Martin

Photos: Florent Joliot and Jean-Michel Landecy

AA 389 - Projets section