Thailand: Exploring Modern Architecture in Lyon
Greetings from beyond Paris! This time, let's venture into the heart of modern architecture, and our destination is Lyon. We'll begin with La Confluence, a redeveloped area where the Rhône and Saône rivers converge, south of the historic district.
La Confluence has been undergoing redevelopment since the early 2000s.
As someone deeply passionate about Paris and its architecture, I regularly explore its diverse designs, old and new. Each weekend, I share my discoveries of modern Parisian architecture. This week, we're exploring La Confluence.
La Confluence: A Modern Marvel
La Confluence, meaning "confluence" in English, is located south of Lyon's main train station, Gare de Perrache. It's a peninsula stretching approximately 2 kilometers, reaching the meeting point of the Saône and Rhône rivers.
A massive project to reclaim land from the rivers began in the late 18th century. Over approximately 70 years, factories were established on the reclaimed land, supporting Lyon's economy as an industrial zone from the late 19th to the 20th centuries.
In 1995, the mayor of Lyon initiated the redevelopment of this industrial area. Since 2000, the project has focused on sustainable development that respects the natural environment. This has resulted in numerous innovative projects, including a museum (which we'll discuss next time).
Architectural Highlights
One particularly interesting aspect is the architectural artistry around the river park, designed like an "inlet." This area features a shopping mall and residential complexes. The architecture blends seamlessly with nature. Features like exterior walls incorporating solar panels and balconies designed to manage sunlight create a truly beautiful cityscape.
For those visiting Lyon, the historic district is typically the primary focus. However, La Confluence is just a few tram stops away from Gare de Perrache, making it an excellent recommendation for architecture enthusiasts.
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