Heritage and Sustainable Urban Transformation

From Industrial Past to Sustainable Future: A Story of Transformation

In the city of Arles, France, where a rich industrial history intertwines with modern environmental aspirations, the Lot 8 project stands as a testament to the possibility of revitalizing heritage. The renovation of the “Magasin Électrique” – a 19th-century train electrical depot – was not merely a traditional engineering restoration but a radical transformation of the building’s function and identity. It was transformed from an abandoned space见证ing a bygone industrial past into a vibrant incubator for creativity and ecological innovation, thanks to a tripartite vision combining the expertise of BC architects & studies, Assemble, and Atelier LUMA.

Lot 8 design and research laboratory / bc architects & studies + assemble

A Space Designed for Creativity: Functions and Facilities of the Project

This ambitious project spans 2,500 square meters, redefining the concept of productive spaces. The interior layout was designed to reflect the nature of collaborative work and interdisciplinary research. The building’s new role is not limited to hosting activities; it is designed to encourage interaction and discovery. The architectural program includes highly specialized workshops for working with both traditional and modern materials, such as wood, metal, ceramics, and textiles. Additionally, the building houses pioneering laboratories dedicated to researching new bio-based materials derived from algae and mycelium, placing the project at the forefront of sustainable innovation. These production spaces are complemented by areas for office work, meeting rooms, a comprehensive library, and a resource center, creating an integrated ecosystem for research and development.

Design Philosophy: Bioregional Design in Practice

The project represents an advanced practical embodiment of the “Bioregional Design” philosophy, which goes beyond merely using local materials. The design and construction process itself was a deep inquiry into spatial identity. The designers sought a profound understanding of the connections between the site, its natural resources, and the inherited artisanal knowledge of the Camargue region, the Crau plains, and the Alpilles mountain range. Materials, such as raw earth or natural dyes, were chosen not only for their low carbon footprint but because they carry within them the story and history of the place. This approach turned the construction process into an act of “spatial inquiry,” where the building itself became a direct product of the region it stands in, authentically reflecting its culture and environmental potential.

Community Impact: Building a Circular Economy and a Sustainable Future

The impact of “Lot 8” extends beyond the physical walls of the building to reach the local social and economic fabric. The project is not only a research center but a living platform for learning and skills transfer. Through workshops, training programs, and collaborative projects with local artisans and farmers, the project contributes to building a resilient circular economy. It invests in human capital, aiming to nurture a new generation of designers and artisans who master traditional techniques while innovating solutions for a more sustainable future. Thus, “Lot 8” does not just build buildings; it builds community, skills, and hope for a just ecological and social transition, making it a model to be emulated worldwide.

Location: Arles, France
Area: 2,500 m²
Completion Year: 2023
Photography: Morgane Renou, Joseph Halligan | Assemble, Baptiste Chatenet | BC architects&studies, Joana Luz, Adrian Deweerdt | Atelier Luma, Laurens Bekemans, Maria Lisogorskaya | Assemble

✦ Archup Editorial Insight

This article delves into an analysis of the pioneering Lot 8 project, which embodies the pinnacle of integration between heritage preservation and ecological innovation. The text skillfully highlights the project’s core philosophy, namely “bioregional design,” showing how architecture can be an organic mediator between cultural heritage and local natural resources to create a sustainable future. However, the question remains about the scalability of this model within fast-paced urban development projects, which often lack the time and resources to invest in such in-depth research and intensive community engagement. Despite this, the project remains an inspirational beacon reminding us that true sustainability is not a technology we add on, but an inherent approach that emerges from the spirit of the place and its community ties.