“Ever feel the weight of history and innovation pressing down on you?” That’s the feeling you might get standing before Bâtiment H here at the Université Lumière Lyon 2. This building is more than just classrooms and offices. It’s a hub of learning, research and collaboration.
Bâtiment H houses a range of departments and facilities. These include the administration of the Institut de Psychologie and Amphi D on level 0. Level 1 features 19 classrooms and Amphi C. You’ll find 23 classrooms on level 2. The administration and faculty offices for the UFR of sociology, anthropology, and political science are on level 3. Levels 4, 5, and 6 house research labs. These include the Ladec, the Centre Max Weber and the ELICO.
But there’s more to Bâtiment H than just academics. Following the closure of Bâtiment L, a unique co-working space was relocated here. This space is on the first and second floors. It offers a collaborative environment for students and researchers. It is equipped with work tables, power outlets, high-speed internet, screens and whiteboards. This BYOD “Bring Your Own Device” environment can accommodate up to 19 people.
Getting here is easy. You can take the C15E bus to the Parilly-Université-Hippodrome stop. Alternatively, the T2 tram stops at Parilly-Université or Europe-Université.
Now that we’ve explored the academic side of Bâtiment H, I want to tell you about another Bâtiment H. This Bâtiment H is part of the Édouard Herriot Hospital. It represents a significant modernization effort. The Hospices Civils de Lyon and the Ministry of Culture agreed to demolish a wing of the Grange Blanche site. This site was designed by Tony Garnier in 1933. The goal was to create a new heart for the hospital. This new heart is Bâtiment H, designed by Michel Rémon.
Rémon preserved the architectural integrity of the site. He respected the scale and rhythms of Garnier’s original plan. He used the same architectural vocabulary. This includes the grammar of positive and negative spaces, cornices and pergolas. François Chatillon, head architect for historical monuments, collaborated with Rémon. They defined the shades and style of the façades. This ensured harmony within the volumes.
This Bâtiment H serves as a central technical support hub. It consolidates major and urgent operations. These operations were previously scattered across the site. This improves efficiency for the institution and provides better care for patients.
The building’s design balances opacity and light. Patients and physicians are shielded from outside views. Operating suites and technical areas are filled with natural light. This light comes from the façades and two internal patios. Even the basement benefits from natural light. This is thanks to window wells and planted banks. Tony Garnier had used a similar technique previously. Landscape architect Frédéric Reynaud restored the original “garden-hospital” atmosphere. Underground parking garages and reorganized surface traffic enhance the public areas.
So, Bâtiment H represents both academic pursuit and medical advancement in Lyon. Each building embodies innovation and progress in its respective field. As we move on, consider how these spaces shape the experiences of those who use them.