[LYON] Lyon Confluence | Europe's Largest Urban Regeneration Project

[Anna Klein]

Overview​

Lyon Confluence is one of Europe's most ambitious urban renewal projects, spanning over 150 hectares at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Once an industrial and logistics hub, the area is being transformed into a thriving, mixed-use urban district that prioritizes sustainability, smart technology, and high-quality urban living.

Initiated in the early 2000s, Lyon Confluence aims to double the size of Lyon’s city center, creating a benchmark for 21st-century urban development.

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Key Features​

• Mixed-Use Development:
  • Residential: 7,000 new housing units, targeting a diverse demographic.
  • Commercial: 300,000 m² of office space.
  • Retail and Leisure: Extensive shopping areas and cultural venues.
• Sustainable Urbanism:
  • HQE (High Environmental Quality) certification for all new buildings.
  • District heating networks, solar energy integration, and rainwater harvesting systems.
• Green Spaces:
  • Over 35 hectares of parks and green corridors.
  • The Jardin de la Confluence — a major urban park linking the district to the rivers.
• Mobility and Transport:
  • Expansion of tramway lines T1 and T2.
  • New pedestrian and cycling paths.
  • Smart mobility solutions and car-sharing services.
• Innovation and Technology:
  • Smart grid energy management.
  • High-speed fiber-optic internet for residents and businesses.
    

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Design and Architecture​

• Master Planning: L’Atelier Ruelle
• Key Architectural Contributions:
  • Herzog & de Meuron — "Le Cube Orange" office building.
  • Jakob + MacFarlane — "The Orange Cube" and "Euronews HQ".
  • MVRDV

The architecture is characterized by bold, innovative designs that reflect Lyon’s commitment to sustainability and contemporary aesthetics.

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Timeline​

• 2003: Initial masterplan launched.
• 2006-2012: Completion of Phase 1 (Perrache to Sainte-Blandine).
• 2010-2025: Ongoing Phase 2 development.
• 2030 (expected): Full completion.
  

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Urban Impact​

• Economic Growth: A hub for creative industries, business services, and startups.
• Social Diversity: A mix of affordable and market-rate housing to promote inclusivity.
• Environmental Leadership: A pioneer in urban sustainability and smart technologies.
• Cultural Vitality: Home to the Musée des Confluences, a major architectural and cultural landmark.

Lyon Confluence stands as a model for how cities can reclaim industrial spaces and transform them into future-proof, livable urban environments.

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Official Links​

• Lyon Confluence Official Website
• L’Atelier Ruelle
• Herzog & de Meuron
• Jakob + MacFarlane
• MVRDV Lyon Confluence
  

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YouTube Videos​

1. Lyon Confluence – Urban Regeneration Overview
2. Architecture of Lyon Confluence District