The second urban pocket approached in the redesign and planning of the Lyon Confluence 2 area (on the side facing the Rhône), urban block B2 fits within the continuity of the larger urban project we have designed in collaboration with the architects Herzog & de Meuron. In the marketplace neighborhood, along Esplanade François Mitterrand, a series of five consecutive openings allow for entry into the inner hollow spaces of the buildings, giving access to the five gardened courtyards within.

In these courtyards, the plant presence is highlighted in order to make of them a defining element of the neighborhood's identity.

The small courtyards are oriented towards the south, protecting them from nearby urban activity. Nonetheless passages open them up to the public space. In this way, they can be utilized for extremely diverse and spontaneous activities related to the life of the neighborhood: becoming places for rest, reading, gardening, games, casual meetings...

Planted with tall deciduous trees such as oak, ash, and maple, the plant life makes the courtyards standout. With their leaves filtering the light, the trees preserve coolness during the summer, while during winter sunshine comes easily through. A second layer of trees of more modest height, but made up of more varieties, merges with an abundant herbaceous layer. These function in giving the site back its intimate dimension, while at the same time renewing its seasonal and botanical interest. The planted surfaces, slightly excavated, work in conjunction with two humid gardens in the neighborhood's water management.