The first building in the urban renewal project around the train station, this residence is perceived as a beacon, and an expression of the city’s identity. Heights, volumes and materials defined during the studies for this “pilot” building made it possible to define the urban rules that will shape future surrounding projects. At the interconnection of major transport axes and highly diversified urban fabrics, the new student residence settles into a place attesting to the city’s growth, to its transformation and its rebirth. It stands along the future roadways that will crisscross this industrial zone to break it out of its isolation. The compositional interplay of its staggered volumes, fractures and parapet setbacks softens its monolithic appearance. Two façade materials dominate: dark brick and plaster (white and metallic). Les circulations enjoy natural lighting and the roof terraces are either accessible to the students or planted. The generously glazed ground floor the lobby is directly linked to shared working areas.