Batiment U
Now home to the Lyon Metropolitan Area’s departments dedicated to the social and solidarity economy, the « Bâtiment U », an integral part of the « Tour Panoramique », has regained its stature and continues to serve its tertiary functions. The heritage assessment conducted provided a detailed analysis and understanding of the existing structure, enabling the design of a thoughtful renovation that combines heritage preservation with exemplary thermal comfort. Users now benefit from innovative thermal systems that confer unprecedented sustainability on the building, while rediscovering the qualities of its modern architecture, which has been given new clarity: the concrete, shaped in various forms, has regained its splendor. The lightweight curtain wall, emblematic of 20th-century heritage, has been renovated to revitalize the building’s identity and mitigate temperature fluctuations. The interior spaces have been opened up to create the modularity needed to adapt to different uses. The outdoor spaces, meanwhile, have been redesigned to offer a more peaceful and attractive setting between the public space and the project’s surroundings. The connection between the tower and its base has been restored. Together, the two elements form a remarkable complex that helps revitalize the Duchère neighborhood.
