(Re)branding the Flon identity: A Swiss Youth Embassy_Flon ... - EPFL

La Gare du Flon
At its beginnings, Flon was a natural river valley, with vineyards and occasional houses. In the 1800’s, due
to epidemic, the Flon river was completely covered by a concrete structure to avoid the spread of disease.
Shortly after, the land began to be occupied by industry, namely, by Mr. J.J. Mercier and his tannery factories.
With the slow “infilling” of the valley, and the emergence of more industrial production, the Flon area
became an undesireable place to be, due to noise, smell, etc. Over the years, and with the opening of the
funicular line connecting Flon to Ouchy, Flon became a merchandise hub - an event that would determine
the final structure and orientation of the buildings that can be seen today in the district.
With the growth of Lausanne around the area of Flon, and the construction of the main train station, Flon
became more of a ‘public’ transport hub. Buildings that were once used as large industrial space became
very atttractive to artists and such renters that needed large and affordable work spaces. The ‘identity’ of
the area became one of transient and ‘bohemian’ - a mix of social activity.
Today, the area is undergoing another monumental change, with the investment in building high-end commerce
and luxury living accomodation. Rent prices are soaring, and those who could once afford the rent
are being forced to find workspace elsewhere.
Flon platform longitudinal section
Flon platform transversal section
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