‘The Orange Cube construction is mainly focused on changing the perspective of the Confluence sector of Lyon.’
The cube concept focus is on connecting the building and the immediate surroundings. The building is a simple orthogonal framework, 29x33m cube, with a giant void carved from its main façade facing the river. The void is the link between the interior and exterior.
To create these voids, three different conic volumes were used at various levels of the building:
At the central corner of the façade
At the roof
At the main access level of the building
These voids allow light inside the spaces and create areas that relate the user and the site.
The perforation located at the main level creates a direct access point to the building. Whereas, the upper void creates an atrium-like space where the user can experience exterior/interior corridors.
When Jakob + MacFarlane visited the site, they noticed the neighboring Salins building with the arched structure. From there, they based the idea of the intersection of conic carved out volumes.
The light orange perforated mesh allows natural light to penetrate the building. However, the mesh creates a barrier for solar heat gain.
The orange color of the mesh is connected to the harbor zones and industrial area of Confluence; directly refers to lead paint.
CARVING OF A VOLUME IN A MASS
2011
Commercial Jakob + Macfarlane
Quai Rambaud
Lyon, France
Texts, photographs and diagrams by Michelle Chedraui.
Michelle Chedraui 