Cities4PEDs Atlas_November 2021.pdf

La Confluence in Lyon, France is an example of a
mixed-use, companycoordinated
energy
district
A
B
C
They are partly existing, partly newly-built districts, often in post-industrial areas close to
the inner city. A lot of attention goes to shaping a highly dynamic use of the neighbourhood
with a mix of different functions, both to live, work and for various cultural activities and
recreation. The reputation of the district is being boosted by new centres of attraction, such
as museums, and a highly sustainable character. Internationally renowned architects are
invited to draw the plans for this new urban district and its landmarks, which contributes to
its attractiveness to new residents. A combination of social diversity, architectural quality,
environmental performance, user comfort and quality of life are guiding forces.
The energy concept is ambitious and multi-faceted. In order to become energy positive,
the district applies a combination of centralised and decentralised strategies. The new
developments become part of the urban heat network as much as possible, which in the
case of La Confluence is the Grand Lyon Centre Métropole network. This is complemented
by decentralised technologies such as solar panels, local heat pumps, biofuel boilers, etc.
And finally, a massive effort is being made to reduce energy consumption. New buildings
have low levels of energy consumption, and old buildings become part of a renovation
programme.
The project is led by a public special purpose company SPL Lyon Confluence, which is owned
by the City of Lyon and the Greater Lyon Authority (‘Lyon Métropole’). The city administration
buys the land they do not yet own from private land owners through strategic negotiations.
The Special Purpose Company sets up strict planning and urban design principles that
developers are required to integrate into their designs as a condition to become part of
the project, through funds, legal benefits and land selling contracts. Developers need to
win design competitions to be part of the project and not just offer the best price for the
land. New energy concepts are tested in the form of projects, financed through (subsidy)
partnerships and then multiplied later on autonomously. Public involvement and decisionmaking
is an important part of the whole process, with the aim of involving the community
early on in the process to avoid opposition afterwards.
Working document
This strategy is situated between those of purely new and purely existing neighbourhoods.
Much attention is paid to local actor ownership (cf. a.o. Brussels, Rotterdam), but the
coordination of the development is in the hands of one actor (cf. a.o. Stockholm, Vienna).
Other examples that could (partly) fit this category are: Île de Nantes, Paris Rive Gauche, Simmering Vienna,
Bahnhofviertel Reininghaus Graz
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