MVRDV Unveils Le Monolithe Urban Superblock in Lyon

<a href="http://www.lemonolithe.com/entrain.html" target="_blank">Le Monolithe</a> is a recently completed urban superblock located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers in Lyon, France. The unique project is part of a large scale urban regeneration project, developed through a collaboration of five different architects, who designed the mixed-used project spearheaded by <a href="http://inhabitat.com/mvrdv-unveils-water-cube-pavilion-for-the-2012-korean-world-expo/" target="_blank">MVRDV</a>. <a href="http://www.pierregautier.com/" target="_blank">Pierre Gautier</a>, <a href="http://www.manuelle-gautrand.com/" target="_blank">Manuelle Gautrand</a>, <a href="http://ecdm.eu/" target="_blank">ECDM</a>, <a href="http://www.erickvanegeraat.com/" target="_blank">Erik van Egeraat</a> and MVRDV each designed one section of the energy efficient building that combines social housing, rental property, a residence for disabled people, offices and retail.

Le Monolithe was master planned by MVRDV and was designed by five architects, including Pierre Gautier, Manuelle Gautrand, ECDM and Erik van Egeraat. Each architect made use of different materials and a different design.

Energy efficient design plays a huge roll in the building and includes efficient insulation, passive solar design, and the use of renewable energy resources. Heating accounts for less than 40 kWh/m²/year and hot water less that 5 kWh/m²/year.

The development includes an internal courtyard that goes throughout the block and helps unite the project.

An aluminum shutter facade serves as a sun shade for the south side of the building and incorporates the values of the European Consitution.

The mixed use development includes social housing, rental property, a residence for disabled people, offices, retail and a parking garage.

MVRDV designed the South section and the adjacent sections were designed by French and Dutch architects Pierre Gautier, Manuelle Gautrand, ECDM and Erik van Egeraat. Dutch landscape architects West 8 designed the public space.