Creative Factory
Honorable Mention in Architectural design
In the heart of Lausanne's changing western district, the Creative Factory project involves converting a former logistics centre into a multifunctional building. By transforming an existing building, the architectural design aims to revitalise the urban environment, preserve built heritage, limit resource consumption and minimise environmental impact. The process began with a strategy of reusing the materials present on the site : By recycling them through existing channels or by keeping them on site for landscaping purposes. The dismantling of interior fittings and the creation of two skylights in the heart of the building then revealed the expressive power of the structure and created an interior street that serves as a reference and interconnection space. The integration of wooden volumes has created a series of lofts dedicated to living and working, and workshops for training, creation, small businesses and crafts. The building envelope broadly respects the original volume, while offering improved thermal performance. On the north, four double-height shared spaces offer spectacular views of the railway landscape. On the south, a metal grid supports balconies, climbing plants and sunshades. The former logistics platform has been de-asphalted to make way for a vast park. The ecological transition is also reflected in the integration of renewable energies – connection to district heating and a large photovoltaic shade structure – and the promotion of carbon-free mobility.
Participant category: Company 11 - 100 employees
Company name: Bauart Architects and Planners
Country: Switzerland
Location: 1020 Renens
Client: Patrimonium
Team: Bauart stands for an architecture that is rooted in building culture and focused on future challenges. With creativity, innovation and knowledge-sharing at the heart of our approach, we organise, at Creative Factory, architectural tours for students.
Edition: 2026
Project status: Realised
Website: https://bauart.ch/en/