Completion of Lombard Odier Headquarters in Geneva by Herzog & de Meuron
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.
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
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
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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