A 'successful′ case of urban renewal with a twist..

Le Plessis-Robinson, a once dying modernist south-west suburb of Paris, controlled by the local communist party from 1952 to 1989, and suffering from the failures of post-war concrete blocks, falling occupancy and crime. This toxic mix has somehow been miraculously saved by a small group of architects, a major, and a simple yet insistent town planning concept. It is now a pleasant and lively neighbourhood of Paris, with thriving small businesses, increased average household income; and a lush, biodiverse natural park and riverfront for residents.

Yet the choice of 'architectural aesthetic' is Neo Classical, and a higher than average mix of over 70% social housing. On paper this sounds like your stereotypical 'Disneyland type' Neoclassical towns with fake and soulless facades; something clearly abhorred in any self respecting academic circles and architectural practices.

Interestingly enough, it appears that its inhabitants are happy and content, apartments are very desirable by young families & the retired, and reaching Paris-level prices; there′s a clear hierarchy between the public and private realm; unemployment reduced by a factor of 3; everything is within the perfect 15 minutes radius; the market square is bustling with life every weekend, streets are well managed and maintained by its inhabitants; home ownership rates are ever increasing, investors are making money, the city even received the European trophy of the best urban development in Europe. Clearly something's being done right here, and achieved something that even certain new Danish housing neighbourhoods fail to achieve.

These questions remain - is it still an unforgiveable sin to build in Neo Classicism? Should architects and urban planners 'give what the people want′? What could be an even better alternative, given the circumstances? It this the lesser-of-two-evils?