Tour Guillot-Bourdeix

“150, cours Albert-Thomas.” The address echoed in my mind as I first approached the Tour Guillot-Bourdeix. It stood tall, a striking figure against the Lyon skyline. This wasn’t just another office building. This was a beacon of scientific endeavor, once home to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (CIRC). The Tour Guillot-Bourdeix, also known as the Tour CIRC, has been a landmark in Lyon’s 8th arrondissement since 1972. Originally built to house the 200 employees of the CIRC, along with hundreds of researchers and trainees, the building pulsed with the pursuit of knowledge. Its 14 stories, stretching 72 meters high, witnessed countless hours of research, breakthroughs, and collaborations. The design, a collaboration between Lyon architects Pierre Bourdeix (for the tower) and Paul Guillot (for the accompanying auditorium), reflects the building’s dual purpose. Even the entrance hall holds a piece of scientific art: a sculpture of DNA donated by the Mérieux Foundation. Inaugurated by President Georges Pompidou himself, the Tour Guillot-Bourdeix served as the CIRC’s home until 2019. The CIRC eventually moved to the Biodistrict in Gerland. This left the tower facing an uncertain future. But Lyon had a vision for its transformation. In 2020, the city launched an international call for projects to repurpose this iconic structure. The winning project, a testament to sustainable development and urban renewal, promises a vibrant mix of residential and commercial spaces. Imagine a rooftop restaurant, a community hub, even a medical center all within the walls of this revitalized tower. The Tour Guillot-Bourdeix, a symbol of scientific progress, is embarking on a new chapter, one that promises to enrich the lives of Lyon’s residents for years to come. As you gaze up at its light yellow facade, remember the legacy of research it holds and the exciting future it embraces.