The city of Lille lies at the intersection of the TGV routes between Paris, London and Brussels.

A major urban project, Euralille, has been initiated within the area of the main railway stations in Lille, providing 300 000 sm of total floor space on completion.

It has been described by the Financial Times as "the biggest development project in Europe". Appointed to act as the architect for 5 towers to be constructed over a shopping mall, our role is to establish the urban layout proposed by Rem Koolhaas, and to act in close collaboration with Jean Nouvel, Chief Architect for this sector.

Our task was to create an object which was unique despite its contrasting requirements –commercial space, offices, residential – and was capable of accommodating the variety of programs involved.

The solution was to design five towers of identical volume and materials, with careful control of grids and fenestration thus creating a single facade texture which could receive lighting, signs and other illuminated graphics.

These five light crowned towers, suspended 15 meters from the ground, create a sensation of lightness.

The lobbies serve to extend this feeling, successfully acting a spacious transition between the bustle of the street and the tranquillity of studio or office.

The buildings provide restrained surroundings for the aparthotels, and a relaxed environment for the student accommodations.

The layout of the apartments continues the search of lightness. With platforms overlooking the city, in 100 sm units on a floor plate of 500 sm, the offices offer total flexibility and adaptability.