The central area and the secondary spaces

  The spaces within the enclosure are currently split into a number of poorly linked sections placed alongside each other with no overall plan. The main one, in the middle, comprises a huge parking lot built on filling material one or two metres deep dating from after the war. With its ill-defined outline and the area taken over by cars, it is not possible to get any overall view of the spaces and the buildings lying inside the enclosure.

  The castle enhancement project is to focus upon reorganisation of this central area, which has to be put to another purpose if the public are to "reconquer" the monument. Irrigated by the three main access routes forming a triangular plan, with the keep closing one of the sides, the geometry of this space is attested in the early 17th century on a bird’s eye view of the enclosure.

  In the 19th century, despite the quadrangular layout of the new barracks in total disregard for the pre-existing parcelling, the arrangement of buildings along a slightly widened street, forming the triangle’s southern point, is represented on the old land register and confirmed by photographs predating the bombing raids.
The limits to this restored central space will be marked by vegetation, the making up of the levels and the general dip of the land. The ground covering, while being hard enough to take temporary events, should allow the grass through, giving it a “green mineral” appearance.

  The secondary inner spaces are organised as appendages to this triangular space. The main one comprises a vast esplanade parallel to the west rampart, which links the different monuments and notably the two museums, St George’s church and the Exchequer.

  The other secondary spaces are connected to the aforementioned ones. The popular existing enclosed garden is to be kept, with modifications to enable the reception of groups (arbours on three sides), and fill for the west and north rampart, the small square towards the Porte des Champs and the staggering of the central space and the museum esplanade making room for children’s play apparatus.