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Lyon Confluence – A Reference in Urban Regeneration Projects

Lyon Confluence is one of my favourite urban regeneration projects in Europe. I find its conceptualisation and design most inspiring and, not without a degree of controversy…

Words by Marta
February 13, 2025 | 5-minute read

Lyon Confluence is one of my favourite urban regeneration projects in Europe. I find its conceptualisation and design most inspiring and, not without a degree of controversy and for sure imperfections, has become a reference on how to reposition a formerly stark and industrial area of a city into an attractive and functional new city space without erasing its legacy of industrial powerhouse and materialising the values of sustainability, community and city development.

The project has transformed the southern part of the Presqu’Île peninsula in Lyon, France. It was conceived in the 90s and began its construction in 1999, with the intention of doubling the size of Lyon’s city center by developing 150 hectares of land between the Rhône and Saône rivers.

Architects such as Jean Nouvel, Chipperfield or Kengo Kuma have added their genius to the design of the district and the overall result is as captivating as one could have imagined.

A bit of background on Lyon Confluences:

The Lyon Confluence project was initiated in November 1999 with the signing of the Lyon Confluence public development agreement by the Urban Community of Lyon and the semi-public company Lyon Confluence . The first urban development zone (ZAC) was established in 2003 on the Saône side, covering 42 hectares. This area, historically used for industrial and logistical purposes, was identified as a prime location for revitalization due to its strategic position and potential for growth.

The primary goal of the Lyon Confluence project is to create a vibrant, mixed-use district that blends historical preservation with contemporary architecture. The project emphasizes sustainable urban development, aiming to set new standards for energy efficiency, green spaces, and innovative building designs.
The project also focuses on developing residential, commercial, cultural, and public spaces to foster a dynamic urban environment. This mixed-use approach ensures that the district remains lively and functional, catering to the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

The Lyon Confluence project has already achieved significant milestones, transforming the area into a lively district with a mix of housing, offices, shops, and cultural facilities. The project’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the numerous green buildings and eco-friendly initiatives that have been implemented. These efforts have set new standards for sustainable urban development, making Lyon Confluence a benchmark for future projects.

The district has also become a cultural hotspot, hosting various events, exhibitions, and public art installations. This cultural vibrancy has attracted businesses and investors, boosting the local economy and creating jobs. The successful integration of historical preservation and modern development has made Lyon Confluence a model of urban regeneration.

My favourites in the district:

In a city full of history such as Lyon, each building stone in the old town seems to transpire character and legacy. From Place Belcourt, the Opera building designed by Nouvel, the Hotel Dieu… hundreds of references to not miss both because of their architectural value and the history they encapsulate. As you cycle through the city and reach Confluences, the stark change of style is in itself a manifesto for urban regeneration projects.

I still remember being a child and visiting Lyon often with my family, never stepping into Confluences and hearing that it was not a safe area to stroll around. Fast forward and escaping to the Musee of Confluences has become one of my musts whenever I spend some time in the city.

Another of my favourite landmarks in Confluences is La Sucrière – a former sugar warehouse that, to me, represents the essence of this project by keeping its original form and hosting a contemporary and functional new use that serves the community and elevates the neighbourhood. The building has been transformed into a contemporary art space and events venue. It hosts exhibitions and cultural events, amongst which the Lyon Biennale of Contemporary Art (not to be missed, by the way!). Below a few photos of the exhibition I most enjoyed visiting there in memory of Antoine de Saint Exupery, the creator of Le Petit Nicolas, who was originally from Lyon and is a most inspiring character of the city. I love his famous “ je suis de mon enfance comme d’un pais”.

Surrounding La Sucriere, you will be able to walk or cycle along the river, surrounded by remarkable pieces of modern architecture such as the sss by ssfa, badaf by adaf.

Hikari by Kengo Kuma:

Embodying the meaning of the Japanese word “Kikari” , this mixed-use development includes residential, office and retail spaces all in zero-energy buildings that have been designed to be at the forefront of sustainability metrics with geothermal energy, solar panels and smart technology.

Orange Cube, by Jakob & MacFarlane:

Perhaps the most iconic building in Lyon Confluence, the Cube by Jakob & MacFarlane is an impressive orthogonal cube with a hole carved to incorporate negative spaces, giving it movement and light. Intentionally, the materials used for the construction are all made locally. Also… the building is known as “La Mimolette”, a good way to integrate anything into a french city!

Green Cube, by Jakob & Mac Farlane:

With similar inspiration to the Orange Cube, the Architects designed the Green Cube a few meters away, which hosts the HQ of Euronews. The building was finalised four years after the Orange Cube and together the two assets are clear references to the modern vocation of the Confluences district.

The Future of the Lyon Confluence project still has a lot in store, with several ongoing and planned initiatives aimed at further enhancing the district. The project will continue to expand towards the Rhône side, increasing the district’s size and capacity. Future phases will focus on integrating smart city technologies and enhancing connectivity within the district, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of urban innovation.

If you are keen to know more about this project, below are some links for reference:
LYON CONFLUENCE, AN EXCEPTIONAL URBAN PROJECT | Lyon Confluence
The Orange Cube by Jakob + Macfarlane | Dezeen
Hikari | Kengo Kuma and Associates

Want any recommendations?

Architects such as Jean Nouvel, Chipperfield or Kengo Kuma have added their genius to the design of the district and the overall result is as captivating as one could have imagined.

A bit of background on Lyon Confluences:

My favourites in the district:

Surrounding La Sucriere, you will be able to walk or cycle along the river, surrounded by remarkable pieces of modern architecture such as the sss by ssfa, badaf by adaf.