A creative waterfront: the district of La Daurade in Toulouse

Abstract

This paper analyses the development and transformation of the district of La Daurade in Toulouse (France) which has an urban perimeter delimited by monumental landmarks that define the profile of the city and its waterfront. Due to its strategic location it has all the key elements that define a cultural district. The quai de La Daurade is the epicentre of this artistic neighbourhood that, over time, has undergone different transformations shaping the character of the area. Around these banks of the Garonne river orbits the activity of this dynamic neighbourhood, which was once the link with this important waterway. La Daurade's commercial past, very active since the 18th century, had its epicentre in these streets. This circumstance has brought important cultural improvements with the incorporation during the last decades of artistic institutions, which have contributed to the revitalization of the urban fabric. All this has favoured the citizen involvement in certain activities and social events in the neighbourhood. This district is an important artistic and social regenerator, basing in the arts the cultural motor for the development of this part of the city.