Discovering Modern Architecture in Lyon: La Confluence
Leaving the familiar streets of Paris behind, let's venture into Lyon and explore its captivating modern architecture. This marks my 17th post sharing architectural insights gained from my travels.
As someone passionate about architecture and design, I regularly visit Paris, studying both historical and contemporary styles. Each weekend, I'm excited to share what I've discovered concerning modern Parisian buildings, but today, we explore La Confluence in Lyon.
La Confluence: Where Rivers Meet, Innovation Flourishes
Our first stop in Lyon is La Confluence, a revitalized district south of the historic area, situated on the peninsula where the Rhône and Saône rivers converge. This area has been undergoing continuous redevelopment since around the year 2000.
The Confluence district, aptly named (meaning "confluence" in English), stretches approximately 2 kilometers south from Lyon's main train station, Gare de Perrache, towards the point where the Saône and Rhône rivers meet, embracing a peninsula-like shape.
A monumental land reclamation project began in the late 18th century, involving the filling of river areas. After roughly 70 years of work, the resulting land became home to various factories, fueling Lyon's economy as an industrial zone throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries.
A Vision for Sustainable Development
In 1995, the Mayor of Lyon initiated a redevelopment plan for the factory district. From 2000 onward, guided by a concept of sustainable development with consideration for the natural environment, innovative redevelopment projects have been realized, including a museum (which I'll showcase next time).
I was particularly drawn to the architectural art encompassing the shopping mall and residential complexes surrounding the "inlet-shaped" river park. Structures incorporating solar panels on their facades, and balconies designed to freely control sunlight, demonstrated a beautiful integration of architecture and nature.
When visiting Lyon, exploring the historic district is a must. However, for architecture enthusiasts, I highly recommend taking a short tram ride from Gare de Perrache to La Confluence. It's an architectural experience you won't want to miss.
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