The Bel-Air complex is a major element of Lausanne’s built heritage.
While its tower is one of the main landmarks of the Lausanne landscape, its two wings form the urban network running from the Grand-Pont to the Place Chauderon and linking the Flon platform to the Place Bel-Air platform, notably to its new lift.
And this is without counting the attraction of its invaluable “Métropole” theatre and its great international reputation.
This emblematic building, classified as a Swiss heritage site, offers a number of living spaces that have been entirely renovated with quality materials to anyone wishing to benefit from modern, even high-standard facilities in the heart of Lausanne. The arcades and administrative areas offering great visibility and accessibility.
During the renovations, which were completed in 2016 and 2021, particular attention was paid to preserving the spirit of the place. The result is new flats that have been fitted out with respect for their cultural heritage. Old staircases with fully restored period ironwork, massive landing doors and high ceilings with old mouldings and friezes are to be found. As well as, commercial spaces ideal for any company wishing to make a mark.
The aim of this large-scale project was to revitalise the building and bring it up to safety standards.Wherever possible, the original elements were to be maintained, renovated and even restored.
In addition to the desire to rehabilitate the building and preserve its heritage, the objective of this renovation was also to restore the prestige of this monument and to enable it to become even more firmly rooted as a bridge between the different levels of the city, with its shops fully benefiting from its influence and the dynamism of the Flon area.
All this while allowing it to adapt to the overall evolution of the city, and to conform to the current requirements of its users, visitors and occupants.
Given the central location of the building, careful and precise management of the site was fundamental in order to reconcile these large-scale works on a site that was partially occupied.
But also a thoughtful and committed collaboration with the Historic Monuments Department of the Canton of Vaud, leading to an evaluation and restoration of the historical elements that met everyone’s expectations.
Complex procedures were necessary to reach the execution phase. The intervention therefore had to be structured in 3 key stages: the Tower, the Terreaux levels and finally the Rue de Genève base. The work was finally completed in 2016, giving the building its new look.
The complex was built from 1929 to 1932 by the architect Alphonse Laverrière for Zurich entrepreneurs and inaugurated in 1931.
With its 52-metre high skyscraper, which was still uncommon in Europe, the project was intended to be an expression of American-style modernism and to be a counterpart to the Saint-François Business Centre. In this respect, Mr. Laverrière took care of all the details of the building, even designing the ironwork and woodwork.
At the time of its construction, this ambitious project caused a great deal of controversy because of the disruption of the urban landscape it entailed. Nevertheless, the project was supported by many supporters and work began.
More than 80 years later, its Tower is listed as a cultural asset of national importance, and its “Métropole” auditorium, with its exceptional acoustics, is classified as a Swiss Historic Monument.
From 2013 to 2016, the complex underwent a major renovation, combining the conservation of the building’s heritage and its compliance with current standards, ensuring that it retains its original appearance in a city undergoing major changes.