The Orange Cube is focused on changing the perspective of the Confluence sector of Lyon.
The building’s design concept focuses on connecting the building and its immediate surroundings. The building has a simple orthogonal framework, with a giant carved void on its main façade facing the river. This void is the link between the interior and exterior spaces.
Three different voids/carves:
- At the central corner of the façade
- At the roof
- At the main access level of the building
These voids bring light inside the space while creating areas that relate to the user and the site. The perforation at the ground level defines a direct access point to the building. Whereas, the upper void creates an atrium-like space where the user can experience exterior/interior corridors.
Jakob + MacFarlane based the idea of ‘intersection of conic carved out volumes’ from Salins, a neighboring building with an arched structure. As well, the orange color of the mesh relates to the neighboring harbor zones and industrial Confluence.
The building is wrapped in an orange perforated mesh that allows natural light to penetrate the building while creating a barrier for solar heat gain.
CARVING OF A VOLUME IN A MASS
Michelle Chedraui 