In 2014, AIA Life Designers won the competition that launched the construction project aimed at giving new momentum to the historic heart of the University of Lyon—the Charles Mérieux Campus. Also known as the “Quais Site” due to its proximity to and views over the Rhône River, the Charles Mérieux Campus is located in Lyon’s 7th arrondissement. The campus comprises twelve buildings, arranged across four quadrants: Palais, Claude Bernard, Berthelot, and Pasteur. Three of these, built between 1890 and 1896, were designed by Abraham Hirsch, the City of Lyon’s architect, who played a key role in its urban development in the late 19th century.
Following eight phases of construction work that began in April 2016, the project was officially completed in August 2022. Spanning a total floor area of 65,000 m², the works represented a total cost of €40 million (excluding tax).
Due to their age, the buildings had gradually shown signs of wear and no longer fully met the evolving needs of modern higher education. The purpose of this requalification and renovation project was to preserve this architectural heritage while allowing it to meet contemporary demands. To this end, AIA Life Designers carried out works across all four quadrants of the Charles Mérieux Campus, guided by five key focus areas.
In line with a sustainable development approach and the aim of improving energy performance, all exterior joinery was replaced across the quadrants, attic spaces were insulated, and solar shading systems were installed. The flat roofs of the Claude Bernard and Pasteur quadrants were also insulated.
To improve building functionality, the library in the Palais quadrant was extended, while the reception area and lecture halls were upgraded. The Quinet amphitheater and part of the third floor of the Claude Bernard quadrant also underwent improvements. No functional enhancements were carried out in the Pasteur and Berthelot quadrants.
Accessibility upgrades were essential in these historic buildings to ensure the campus was welcoming to everyone. Elevators were added in the Palais, Claude Bernard, and Pasteur quadrants. Elevators were also renovated or newly installed across all quadrants, along with ramps and upgraded restrooms for accessibility.
New staircases—particularly external ones—were constructed, some existing ones widened, and an EAS (safety system) was implemented to improve campus safety and manage the flow of users more effectively.
Lastly, extensive maintenance work was undertaken across the entire complex, including roof repairs, upgrades to electrical systems to meet current standards, and the installation of a Fire Safety System. Guardrails were also installed on terraces that previously lacked them.
This ambitious rehabilitation of a historic campus once again demonstrates AIA Life Designers’ ability to unite all trades around a shared vision. Architects, engineers, cost consultants, and project managers collaborated on the transformation of the Charles Mérieux Campus—under the guidance of the University of Lyon (project owner), with support from Didier Repellin, Chief Architect for Historic Monuments, and heritage architecture firm RL&A, even though the site is not officially listed as a historic monument. Together, they successfully modernized a piece of 19th-century heritage without compromising its integrity—an essential part of Lyon’s identity.
Project Owner
University of Lyon
Project Team
Architect : AIA Architectes
Façade heritage studies : AEC / Didier Repellin, Chief Architect for Historic Monuments
Engineering and cost control : AIA Ingénierie
Environmental expertise : AIA Environnement
Scope
Preservation of the university’s heritage and upgrades for accessibility, safety, and energy efficiency.
Requalification of key spaces on campus: extension of the university library, reception hall, lecture halls, and interior courtyards.
An ambitious, comprehensive commitment to sustainable development.
Area
65,000 m² gross floor area
Cost
€40 million excl. tax
Timeline
Competition winner : 2014
Completion : August 2022