Switzerland’s longest apartment block - Cité du Lignon
Overview
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Intro
The world-famous Le Lignon housing development on the outskirts of Geneva is essentially a town within a town. On account of its outstanding urban, architectural and engineering features, it stands as a pioneering achievement and the most ambitious construction project of its time in Switzerland. Today, the settlement accommodates some 6,500 residents.
Geneva's post-war economic boom forced the authorities to act swiftly to alleviate the acute housing shortage. This prompted the development, between 1963 and 1971, of the Cité Le Lignon. Occupying a large tract of land above the Rhone, it offers a spectacular panorama of the surrounding landscape and the city of Geneva.
The satellite town impresses by its monumentality. A 12- to 16-storey residential block with two towers at one end, it zigzags along the edge of the site for almost a kilometre. Perfectly adapted to the rugged terrain, the colossal structure exudes a remarkable lightness. The plain treatment of the facades give both the horizontal block and the towers a decidedly elegant appearance, any monotony being broken by the colourful awnings.
The residential blocks are surrounded by a rambling park with extensive lawns, trees, pathways, plazas and playgrounds. Located at the heart of the estate are a number of public amenities, including a shopping centre, medical practice, church, municipal office and school: the estate was designed with self-sufficiency in mind.
Trip tip
Starting from La Jonction in Geneva, visitors can reach the satellite town on foot in around two hours by following the unspoilt Sentier du Rhône trail along the Rhone. La Jonction marks the confluence of the rivers Arve and Rhone. The colour of the water from each river often varies, thus offering a natural spectacle.
ISOS
ISOS is the Federal Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites of national importance. The inventory is maintained by the Federal Office of Culture (FOC) and lists the most significant settlements in Switzerland. Today, some 1,200 places are included in the inventory, from hamlets right through to cities. The inventory provides information on the development and identity of the settlements listed in it, thereby contributing to the preservation of architectural diversity in Switzerland and promoting both sustainable planning and a high-quality Baukultur.
