Integrating distribution centres in dense urban fabric – Management principles and examples of transformation of abandoned areas

Integrating distribution centres in dense urban fabric
The study undertaken by Apur in 2013-2014, “urban logistics: towards a logistical orientation diagram for Paris”, has highlighted the necessity of having three levels of logistics sites in the centre of the urban system in order to ensure that a complete network covers the territory of Paris while reducing flow.
Three types of site are required:
  • urban distribution centres, between 10,000 et 20,000 m² in size, intended to accommodate a high volume flow of goods;
  • urban distribution logistical spaces, from a few hundred m² to 3,000 m², intended to accommodate exchange platforms and also for parking and reloading of vehicles as well as providing social facilities for delivery workers;
  • neighbourhood distribution points, facilities of a few dozen m² in size, serving individuals (points of collection or return of packages, pick-up points, left luggage lockers…)
The crucial question is how to integrate these facilities into a very dense city where available land is rare, so the transformation of areas currently abandoned or under-used into logistical spaces in particular, is a major issue. This is why Apur held discussions in 2015 to explore the potential of public sites, based on a definition of the spatial, technical or programmatic characteristics required for each of the three levels of logistical spaces. The kind of functioning and programming needed is illustrated as far as possible with examples of facilities, both those currently being built and those already in use. The various ways of setting up facilities presented show practically how urban logistics services can be integrated into the existing urban fabric.
This reference notebook is an operational tool for implementing the logistics network in Paris, and is aimed at helping project managers starting from the first planning phase through the various stages of their project(s). The document addresses public authority representatives as well as technicians, and also all the key players investing in and running logistics facilities. 

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  • Integrating distribution centres in dense urban fabric – Management principles and examples of transformation of abandoned areas

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  • Integrating distribution centres in dense urban fabric – Management principles and examples of transformation of abandoned areas - Synthesis

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