From doctrine to design: How are the stations of the Grand Paris Express renewing (or not) the urban fabric?

This article aims to delve into the creation process of the stations of the Grand Paris Express. Through an analysis of their genesis, design, and communication, it focuses on the strategy implemented by the Société du Grand Paris and its mode of operation. The article discusses the formalization of a doctrine: the stations are more than just technical objects providing access to the network; they are primarily political tools, as evident from the public debates as early as 2010. The investigation reveals that the stations, heavily emphasized by the SGP, are primarily used to establish its legitimacy, to justify the effects of a new infrastructure on the territories, and consequently, to facilitate the acceptance of the project and construction works at the local level. This valorisation of the stations aligns with a movement observed for over 20 years, initiated by the redevelopment of TGV stations, where the stations crystallize the development ambitions of local actors and transport operators.