Tour de Bel-Air, High-rise building at Place Bel-Air, Lausanne, Switzerland
Description
The Tour de Bel-Air is a 68-meter-tall building with 19 floors and a horseshoe-shaped ground plan. The structure has sections of varying heights and holds apartments, shops, and offices, with the lower levels featuring storefronts with large display windows.
History
The building was completed in 1931 by architect Alphonse Laverrière and marked the arrival of Switzerland's first skyscraper. Despite initial local resistance, this structure became a turning point in Swiss architecture.
Culture
The building blends classicist facade elements with Art Deco details, visible in the distinctive greenish glass blocks at the entrance. This mix shapes how the square looks today and shows how different styles were combined in one structure.
Practical
The building is served by 13 elevators and offers easy orientation for visitors thanks to its central location on the square. Accessibility is ensured by ground-level shops and wide entrance areas.
Did you know?
The upper two floors are set back from the main structure and topped by a 12-meter flagpole that usually displays the Swiss flag. This architectural detail makes the building visible from far away and shapes the city skyline.
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