SALES EXHIBITION – OFFICES
quartier de l’étang – îlot f – geneva
The ‘quartier de l’Etang’, an ambitious urban redevelopment project of an 11-hectare industrial wasteland in Vernier, near Geneva, reveals itself as a remarkable example of integrated urban development. Formerly dedicated to logistical, industrial, artisanal, and commercial activities, the site benefits from its proximity to the airport, railways, and highways, strategically positioning it at the heart of the region.
The project aims to transform this neighborhood into a mixed, vibrant, and sustainable place by integrating housing, offices, shops, public facilities, and green spaces.
The neighborhood, now integrated into the city, faces a necessary evolution to meet the needs of the metropolitan area. The project’s design is based on the creation of six blocks, thus avoiding the effect of a new town.
The ‘îlot F’, in particular, positions itself as the front of the entire neighborhood. Acting as a shield against the railway tracks and the nearby tank, it also becomes the distinctive hallmark of the new neighborhood. Comprising two blocks developed over a total length of 250 meters, this block features a mineral facade on the protective side, with slender and elongated openings, while the facade facing the neighborhood is glazed and generous.
The ingenuity of the design lies in the arrangement of circulation spaces on the facade facing the new neighborhood. This layout frees up large areas, offering total flexibility in floor division. It also provides exceptional durability to the project, capable of evolving over time and adapting to changing needs. Additionally, the visibility of the circulation areas brings life and ensures effective commercialization of the blocks, showcasing the different activity floors.
The regular rhythm of the facade, combined with a subtle play of frames, gives an iconic character to this exceptional building that stretches over an uncommon length. The demarcation of the first two levels further reinforces the commercial and activity purpose of the entire structure. Thus, the ‘îlot F’, emerges as a successful example of urban redevelopment, combining aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability in service of the new neighborhood.
