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A large-scale redevelopment project that respects the work of Tony Garnier
Over 90 years since its creation in 1932 by architect Tony Garnier, the Gerland Aquatic and Sports Center in Lyonhas undergone a major renovation and redevelopment. The client brief was to upgrade the facility to cater to the needs of more people, while respecting its historical importance and heritage status. The renovation was the work of 4_32architecte, which took onboard Garnier’s original goal to create an “athletes’ neighborhood,” which had remained unfulfilled until now. The architects have therefore made the facility suitable for the public, on the one hand, but also for students, athletes, and LOU Rugby (Lyon Olympique Universitaire’s rugby union team). So, besides the swimming pools, the center includes spaces for training, wellness, and fitness, as well as LOU Rugby’s offices.
A monumental entrance, outdoor pool with impressive tiered seating, and sculpture-like diving platform are just some of the key focuses of the project. The pool is surrounded by three volumes, with the tallest one, on the short side, acting as a backdrop to the facility and the now decommissioned diving platform. The two lower buildings set off the restored white tiered seating that descends elegantly to the water’s edge.
Both the concrete – a reference and homage to Garnier himself – and the alternating solids and voids created in the façades of the different structures by sunshading and porticos give a continuity and uniformity to the entire center. The effect is of a structure with an overall coherence that harmonizes with its setting with elegance and delicacy, including as regards its color palette. The monumental exposed concrete porticoes also define the entrance to the stadium on Allée des Lions, bringing to mind the neoclassical style of the original design by Tony Garnier.
Divided between its east and west buildings, the facility also includes a 25-meter indoor pool for swimming lessons, and large spaces for training and fitness. The first floor of the eastern building houses a running track, a synthetic playing field, and physiotherapy rooms, while the second floor has a lounge area and offices.
In a sense, this project is a tribute to the original building that has always housed the Gerland Aquatic and Sports Center. The architecture, the portico, the exposed concrete, the roof terraces, and the understated façade ornamentation all contribute to a formal architectural coherence typical of Tony Garnier’s architecture.
Location: Lyon, France
Architect and landscaper: 4_32 architecte
Client: LOU Rugby
Heritage architect: RL&A architectes
Area: 5,910 m2
Completion: 2024
Photography by Vladimir de Mollerat du Jeu, courtesy of 4_32 architecte
