Grand Var is the historic shopping center of Toulon and its surroundings. Today, it is located in a huge shopping district, quite unorganized, but still irrigated by a strong network of access roads. The project’s challenge relies on the necessary urban sewing operation between the separate three components of the retail site : Grand Var North, where the Carrefour Hypermarket can be found, Grand Var East, where is Zara, and Grand Var South, with its Planet Saturn.

The chosen concept aims at creating a playful and friendly destination, and tries to link these three commercial units with a walking triangle of exterior malls, sun and rain protected, but still beingoutside strolls. Entrances to the site are clearly recognizable, so as to confer to the Grand Var Signage the strength of a “brand”, and clearly establishing the limit of the development and its own identity. Adding an outside food destination, around a public swimming pool, and aromatic gardens alongside with petanque playgrounds, transforms Grand Var into a real leisure destination.

The entire project is located under a huge wooden canopy, which envelops as well the new parking lots created within the scope of the project. The spirit which leads this refurbishment is definitely Mediterranean, modern, an atmosphere where living outside and developing playful activities is positively emphasized.