The Pôle universitaire des Quais is located in the university district on the eastern bank of the river Rhône in the 7th arrondissement of Lyon and comprises of five institutions.
University Centre des Quais
Light concrete is the main protagonist of this university centre designed by Auer Weber in Lyon, where the different functions are clearly separated in the building blocks.
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- 20 August 2015
- Lyon
The structure of the building and massing within the block provides for a clear separation between the different areas of the IUT and PRES as well as the student accommodation and canteen.
The individual components are encompassed in a compact ring around a spacious landscaped courtyard, which portrays a representative and quiet building block edge to the outside of the cityscape. The courtyard with its tiered patio areas functions as an open forum promoting communication between the individual institutions. The outer compactness of the new university building is supported by closely knit concrete facade pilasters. This appears as a subtly structured volume to integrate the project into its surroundings with respect to color and materiality. The characteristics of this building are defined by the homogeneity of the light concrete, the use of a limited amount of different materials, and neglecting the building elements such as windowsills and venetian blinds.
The uniform block structure at the main entrance is deliberately broken, as the autonomous block of the Department for Research and Higher Education significantly protrudes in plan and height. A gem-like exterior layer of adjustable vertical glass panels are used in the building ring-seemingly without touching it.
The ground floor and the first floor are reserved for the entrance hall, the dinning hall and the classrooms. In the standard floors are offices, conference rooms and student apartments. The auditorium is embedded low in the center of the block creating space for a large terrace above, which is linked via seating steps through the courtyard. The rich greenery of the patio creates an oasis within the compact urban structure that makes the Pôle universitaire des Quais a significant part of the urban university life.
University Centre des Quais, Lyon, France
Program: university centre
Architects: Auer Weber
Landscape architect: Atelier Fontaine
Structural engineering and Technical installations: Grontmij Sechaud Bossuyt
Energy concept: Tribu
Cost calculation: Cholley Ingénierie
Acoustical consultant: Acouphen
Kitchen planning: BETR
Guidance system: Altitudes Développement, Sébastien Pradel Designer
Human factors engineering: Essor Consultants
Cost: 25,5 M €
Area: 11,400 sqm
Completion: 2015