Lombard Odier unveils the architectural project for its new global headquarters in Bellevue

Lombard Odier has unveiled an ambitious architectural project to build its new global headquarters in Bellevue (Geneva) by 2021. Designed by the prestigious architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, the project features ultra-contemporary architecture that combines openness to its surroundings with elegance and innovation. This project was selected following a competition between eight local and international architectural firms. Geneva-based firm Favre & Guth will work with the winner to implement this major assignment. Lombard Odier’s new head office will be able to accommodate up to 2,600 workstations.

“We were immediately struck by the project’s timelessness, personality and integration in its natural environment. The building will be airy and will look amazing from the ground, lake and sky,” stressed Patrick Odier, Senior Managing Partner of Lombard Odier. “Everything has been designed to inspire creativity and team work in a dynamic and motivating working environment. Our clients will benefit from an exceptional venue which is easy to access and will provide all of our services and expertise under one roof.”
 

“By proposing a single building for Lombard Odier’s new head office, we are applying the title of the competition – One Roof – literally. “Each façade is treated identically: there’s no front or back,” said Pierre de Meuron. “A stone-clad bunker would no longer be in keeping with the image of a contemporary bank. We have designed a transparent, elegant and measured building; as such, its architecture reflects the vision and values of Lombard Odier. The form and appearance of our project are not due to aesthetic preference. Our intention is to enable all occupants of the new head office to fully appreciate the surrounding natural environment,” added Pierre de Meuron. 

“At the heart of our values has always been the concept of sustainable development, combining environmental, social and economic considerations,” Patrick Odier concluded. “This building integrates this concern perfectly. In particular, it will meet the highest standards of sustainable development and employ the most efficient technology available, particularly in terms of energy-saving. The quality of working conditions will be an integral part of this ecosystem.”

In keeping with its vision of tradition and innovation – as exemplified by its “Rethink Everything” philosophy, this new, cutting-edge site combines flexibility with technological innovation, as well as strengthening synergies, collaboration and access by our clients to the Group’s various business lines.

Located at the heart of a public and private transport hub on a 27,400-m2 site in Bellevue, the new head office will be a stone’s throw from Les Tuileries station  just a six minute  train journey from Cornavin station in Geneva, which will connect to the future Léman Express rail network. It is close to the A1 motorway and five minutes from Geneva Cointrin airport by car.

Construction is expected to start in early 2019 and finish by the end of 2021.

Public exhibition from 8 to 23 December 2017

All the projects submitted, including the winning one, will be exhibited to the public from 8 to 23 December 2017 at Galerie Heritage, 25 rue du Perron, Geneva.

Opening times: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from  10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.  / Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. / closed on Sunday. 

About Herzog & de Meuron

Herzog & de Meuron is a partnership led by Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron with Senior Partners Christine Binswanger, Ascan Mergenthaler and Stefan Marbach. Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron have been visiting professors of the Harvard Graduate School of Design since 1994 and professors at ETH Zürich since 1999.  Herzog & de Meuron has designed highly recognized public facilities such as the Beijing National Stadium for the 2008 Olympic Games, the Tate Modern in London, the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, as well as a number of distinguished private projects including apartment buildings, offices, and factories. Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron have been awarded numerous prizes including the Pritzker Architecture Prize (USA) in 2001, the RIBA Royal Gold Medal (UK) and the Praemium Imperiale (Japan) in 2007. 

For more information: http://www.herzogdemeuron.com