The Recovery and Revaluation of Industrial Heritage in Lyon (France). The Intervention at Port Rambaud

Abstract

The urban project Lyon Confluence takes its name from the confluence of the rivers Rhône and Saône. The two rivers flow together in the south of the presqu' île, the urban and historic centre of Lyon (France). This project aims at redeveloping the entire territory between the Perrache railway station and the so-called city Confluence. This area is at present used by the railway industry and as low-quality council housing. Part of this large urban renewal project is the recovery of an interesting industrial heritage site. It is situated in the so-called Port Rambaud. This place is located on the left bank of the river Saône, was built in the 1920s and remained in use until 1995. The location on the banks of the river Saône as well as the cataloguing of industrial buildings motivated the authorities to build a new urban area in the old port, providing restaurants, pubs, cultural venues (arts and entertainment industry), and a tertiary sector associated with these types of entertainment business. The change focuses on three aspects: on the conservation and recovery of the old industrial buildings that shaped the port such as La Sucriere or Les Salins; on the creation of new buildings with unique architecture works of, among others, Rudy Ricciotti and Odile Decq; and the creation of new public areas by the German Agency Lantz und Partners. These public spaces are supposed to connect the River with the landscape, while presserving the industrial memory of the site. The works in Port Rambaud are, furthermore, complemented by the installation of the Biennale of contemporary art in Lyon. This issue is a further boost to the process of cultural and social dynamisation of a depressed environment, and the creation of a new urban centrality connected to the River.