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Powered by solar energy and supplemented by an efficient heating system, the EUR41.5 million ($62 million approx) Centre International du Design houses auditoriums, meeting rooms, exhibition space, a media library, and indoor gardens with an observation tower located alongside the long hall.

The project involves the renovation of several historic buildings, as well as the integration of a new building the ‘platine’, a 31 meter high observation tower, two gardens and the Place d’Armes, a public esplanade.

The ‘platine’ is an inter-climatic laboratory whose adaptive skin envelopes several programs as an exhibition space, an auditorium, the ‘agora’, a greenhouse and a media- and material library. It is designed to react on their different needs in terms of light and climate. It is designed as an expression of the different activities in the Cité du Design.

About 14,000 equilateral triangles made from different materials form the skin of the building. It helps to control light, temperature and air flow according to environmental conditions. Some of these triangles are actually photovoltaic cells used to generate power for use in the building.

A latticed 3D structure forms the walls and roof of the complex, and the interior of the hall is left open without any supports or beams to get in the way.

The center is powered by solar energy and supplemented by an efficient heating system. The facility utilizes a heat exchange and recovery system to reduce energy used for heating. Pre-conditioned air from the internal gardens is drawn into the system to heat the nearby rooms.