Dorigny
Located southwest of Lausanne, near EPFL and UNIL, this area crossed by the Chamberonne River is particularly exposed to flood risks. These risks, intensified by climate change, have reached a level that necessitates intervention. Over four phases, students developed a project on this site, progressing from the conception of foundations to an exploration of the potential project.
I. By placing mobile metal foundations within the riverbed, the water’s trajectory is redirected, allowing the system to accommodate fluctuations in water levels caused by climatic events.
II. Large planes shimmer like sails above the foundations, offering protection from natural elements. The river’s flow is fragmented into moments of intimacy points where life can persist.
III. Each element serves a specific function: the sails act as solar panels or water collectors, forming an autonomous system. The technical infrastructure supports the independent operation of the added constructions.
IV. Sculpting the river’s morphology into diamond-shaped forms creates expansion zones during floods. These interventions help trap debris carried by the river during storms. Additional infrastructures collect waste and treat toxic liquids, promoting cleaner water and the restoration of habitats for flora and fauna.