The Walls of Philippe Auguste in Paris across the Centuries: General Strategy of Conservation and the Case of Jardins Saint-Paul

The medieval walls of Philippe Auguste in Paris, built in the late 12th century, served both as a defence and symbol of the strategic importance of Paris in medieval Europe. The research was carried out in collaboration between the University of Naples Federico II and the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture Paris-Belleville. Three key parts may be identified: the historical evolution of the fortifications of the city of Paris, a proposal for the conservation of the remnants of the walls, and a project for the urban redevelopment of rue des Jardins Saint-Paul. The paper synthetically explains the research methodology through which the urban and topographical development of Paris were traced, the walls were constructed and how they influenced the city's growth. The proposal explores current conservation strategies and innovative approaches that aim at overcoming the major challenge of preserving the remaining sections of the walls. While balancing modern needs with the protection of historical sites, the study seeks to deepen the understanding of Philippe Auguste's walls and suggests practical solutions for their conservation and integration into Paris's modern urban landscape. The work is based on an interdisciplinary approach which combines history, archaeology, architecture, and urban planning and aims at enhancing the city's historical heritage affirming its relevance in the present day.