citées

Cités, a term primarily used in French-speaking contexts, refers to a type of social housing development, often characterized by a high concentration of residential buildings. These areas were frequently constructed in the post-World War II era to address housing shortages and provide affordable living spaces for working-class populations. Architecturally, cités can vary widely, but they often feature modernist or functionalist designs with multi-story apartment blocks.

These urban areas have historically been associated with specific social and economic characteristics. They have sometimes faced challenges related to social cohesion, economic integration, and infrastructure maintenance. However, they also represent significant concentrations of communities with shared experiences and histories. Over time, many cités have undergone processes of urban renewal and regeneration aimed at improving living conditions, diversifying the social fabric, and enhancing the built environment. The term itself carries a complex social connotation, sometimes linked to perceptions of marginalization but also to a sense of community and belonging for residents. Efforts to understand and address the realities of life in cités continue to be a focus for urban planners, social scientists, and policymakers.