The five-section structure is reminiscent of MVRDV works such as Madrid's Celosia and Amsterdam's Parkrand: its volume is cut through by huge arches, and the “courtyard” formed by these openings is raised high above the ground. The complex is located on the territory of the new district of Lyons-Cofluence, a former industrial zone on the Perrache peninsula in the very center of the city (Perrache is formed by the Rhone and Sona rivers connecting in this place).
Le Monolithe has 32.5 thousand m2 of usable space, which houses social and rental housing, housing for the disabled, offices and shops. Among the project participants are Eric van Egeraat, Manuel Gautrand, Pierre Gautier, ECDM bureau. Public spaces are managed by West 8.
Each of the sections differs in the function and solution of the facade, including the material used. The main, southern façade, belonging to the MVRDV's own work section, overlooks the embankment. The aluminum covering it is also used for the shutters to protect the interior from the sun's rays (this is also a reference to local tradition).
When all the shutters are closed, on the facade you can read the text of the 2nd article of the European Constitution (according to the Lisbon Treaty, these words are now included in the EU's Charter of Human Rights): “The Union is based on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, supremacy law and respect for human rights, including the rights of minorities. These values are common to member states in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, solidarity and equality between women and men have triumphed. The architects decided to place this text on the façade in 2005 when it became clear to them that the EU Constitution would not be adopted (France and the Netherlands refused to ratify it then).
The project has become an urgent platform for expressing support for the idea of a united Europe, since the Dutch and the French worked on it at the same time, and 150 hectares of Lyon Confluence would have been impossible to develop without the help of the European Commission.
Le Monolithe is an energy efficient building and meets the French High Environmental Quality (HQE) green building standard. It has reinforced insulation and a rainwater harvesting system; 80% of the energy consumed comes from renewable sources. The layout provides natural light and ventilation, thermal and acoustic comfort. Used heat preservation technology, solar panels, improved double glazing.
