The Palais Rameau, an iconic building on Boulevard Vauban in Lille, has been leased for 25 years to JUNIA, which is revitalizing the space while preserving its essence. Located in the heart of Lille, the Palais Rameau, with its historic listed building and impressive volumes, has been reimagined as a hub for higher education and the “village square” of the JUNIA campus.
This pioneering project aims to create a comprehensive ecosystem that spans agricultural production, food transformation, and consumption. The concept of farm-to-table is embodied in spaces for research and education: agricultural production areas with controlled environments, formulation and transformation labs, and a sensory space for tasting products.
The Palais Rameau now offers a hybrid space for students, teachers, and partners, combining learning, research, and community life. It features:
- Teaching, research, and experimentation spaces for students and professionals.
- An incubator for innovative projects.
- A rotunda that continues to function as a greenhouse and biodiversity hub.
- A public garden with new furniture, a vegetable patch, plantings, and research demonstration plots.
The Palais Rameau was built in 1878 thanks to a legacy from Charles Rameau, an agronomist and president of the Lille Horticultural Society. Originally designed for flower and fruit exhibitions, music, and arts, it reflects Rameau’s commitment to promoting horticulture and culture. The building’s design, by architects Auguste Mourcou and Henri Contamine, combines Neo-Byzantine and classical influences with modern materials like steel and glass, while maintaining traditional elements like brick and stone.
Recognized for its architectural and heritage value, the Palais Rameau was listed as a historic monument in 2002. The restoration project respects the building’s history, aiming to restore original parts and recreate lost features through extensive historical research. The design ensures the project’s reversibility, maintaining flexibility for future needs.
The project incorporates modular and evolving design elements, including a primary structure of exposed columns and beams, and secondary modular partitions. This modularity not only simplifies construction but also reduces waste and environmental impact.
The rehabilitation of Palais Rameau aims to harmoniously integrate collaborative spaces and research areas. The wooden structure spans two levels plus a mezzanine, accommodating the entire program. The project meets sustainability criteria, including BREEAM and BiodiverCity certifications, and promotes a Cradle-to-Cradle approach, minimizing waste and using healthy materials.
Additionally, the park embraces permaculture principles, supporting a sustainable environment with minimal water use and fostering biodiversity. It includes urban agriculture with local plants that require little maintenance, offering a diverse, low-tech farming model. The park’s design also creates microclimates and provides rainwater irrigation through wetlands and vegetated swales. This restoration blends respect for heritage with architectural innovation, creating a space for living, research, and innovation that meets modern needs while promoting sustainability.
