A colossal structure. That’s Bastide Les Lauriers. Rising thirteen stories high it dominates the landscape. This isn’t just any building. It’s a piece of Marseille’s history. Bastide Les Lauriers is part of the ZUP number 1 a large-scale urban development project. It was built between 1964 and 1968. The architects were P Franceschini and P Yard. They created a remarkable building.
Bastide Les Lauriers is more than just apartments. It’s a statement. It’s a testament to post-war ambition. Four hundred homes are housed within its walls. A remarkable feat of engineering. The building’s unique design is striking. It’s a long building. Its length is impressive exceeding 237 meters.
The structure bends and folds. This design choice wasn’t accidental. It was intentional. It breaks up the monotony of such a long building. The architects used a clever trick. They created a visual illusion. The building’s total length is not immediately apparent. You never see all of it at once. This creates a sense of dynamic movement. It also minimizes the visual impact of its impressive size.
The construction is noteworthy. Bastide Les Lauriers is made of segmented partitions. These are supported by columns. They form a strong and durable structure. The facade uses Estaillade stone panels. This adds to the building’s unique aesthetic.
But the story of Bastide Les Lauriers doesn’t end there. In 1976 and again between 1982 and 1987 it underwent renovations. The building continues to serve its purpose. It provides housing for hundreds of people. It’s a significant part of Marseille’s urban fabric. Bastide Les Lauriers stands as a reminder. A reminder of a particular time and place. A place where ambition and design met. It’s a building that truly deserves your attention. So take a moment. Absorb its history. Its presence. This is Bastide Les Lauriers. A true icon of Marseille.