19

In 1786, after debating the matter for several years, the City of Paris began to demolish houses built on the bridges of the city. Thanks to exceptionally abundant sources (including archives, as well as images, notably Hubert Robert’s paintings which are virtually a documentary resource), this building project offers a unique perspective on building and public works projects of the era. From the contract bidding and awarding process to the final stages, including the actual demolition phase, we can see the spatial impact of the building project and its organisation, the trades involved, their working hours, corrupt dealings of some entrepreneurs, disruptions affecting the neighbouring areas, and accidents. Due to the substantial changes it created in the central Paris landscape, its complex organisation and financial arrangements, this last major Ancien Régime building project already foretold of the major works that would take place in 19th century Paris.