Lombard Odier Headquarters: A New Architectural Marvel

Herzog & de Meuron has completed the new headquarters of Lombard Odier in Bellevue, on the shores of Lake Geneva. The project consolidates six previous office sites into a single location, accommodating around 2,000 employees with potential capacity for 2,600.

Building Design and Facades

The headquarters features fully glazed facades offering expansive views of the lake and surrounding mountains. A central atrium brings natural light deep into the building’s core.
Thin, curved concrete slabs extend outward, providing sun shading while forming terraces that can be used as outdoor spaces for employees and visitors.

Curved glass façade of Lombard Odier headquarters in Geneva with visible concrete slabs — This image highlights the building’s curved glass façade and concrete slabs, adding architectural depth to the headquarters.

Interior Layout and Shared Spaces

The interior is designed to enhance collaboration and spatial flexibility, including:

Double-height communal areas that allow visual connection between floors
A restaurant overlooking Lake Geneva
A 500-seat auditorium inspired by classical Greek theater, suitable for gatherings and meetings
Smooth internal circulation conceived as “inner topography,” with ramps, stairs, and floor cut-outs facilitating fluid movement between levels

Side view of Lombard Odier headquarters showing extended concrete slabs and exterior terraces. — The image illustrates the interplay between interior and exterior spaces via terraces and curved concrete slabs.

Amenities and Workplace Environment

The building provides diverse facilities for staff, including a fitness center, yoga spaces, restaurants, and outdoor terraces, creating a cohesive work environment that integrates work and relaxation within the architectural framework.

Sustainability and Environmental Integration

The design incorporates environmentally conscious strategies:

Recycled concrete foundations
Rooftop solar panels
Rainwater harvesting
Integration with the GeniLac system to use lake water for heating and cooling
Deep concrete slabs to reduce solar heat gain
Support for sustainable mobility with bicycle storage and EV charging points

Main entrance of Lombard Odier headquarters with white columns and transparent glass façades. — The main entrance demonstrates the connection between open architectural elements and natural light penetration.

The headquarters represents an architectural approach that combines openness to nature with interior spatial flexibility, offering panoramic views that can extend to Mont Blanc, while using natural light and outdoor terraces as integral elements of the design.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
The Lombard Odier headquarters in Geneva presents a transparent façade design that visually connects the interior with the surrounding lake and mountains, while curved concrete slabs introduce shading and exterior terraces. Internal organization, including double-height communal areas and the auditorium, promotes visual continuity and interaction across levels. However, the project raises questions regarding its integration into the urban and historical context, as the design emphasizes natural views over immediate engagement with the city fabric. Nonetheless, the building demonstrates clear potential for sustainable practices and flexible spatial usage, supporting adaptability to future workplace needs.

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