L’ Arbre Blanc” (White Tree), in response to the “Architectural Folie of the 21st Century” competition, Montpellier; a city located in Southern France has chosen L’ Arbre Blanc” (White Tree) as the winner; a design proposal by Sou Fujimoto Architects, Nicolas Laisne Associates, Manal Rachdi Oxo Architects. The ideal city focuses on the concept of outdoor living, as well as the use of renewable materials and sustainable resources.
© Cyrille Weiner
It creates a connection between the residential tower and areas that have been developed and those that have not in the surrounding landscape. The tower serves a multi-functional purpose, from housing units to art galleries, housing, office areas and evening commodities. In the initial phase the proposed project was designed suitable for the current lifestyle of the Montpelier’s inhabitants which supports the idea of living outdoors. Its convenient location presents many adequate recreational activities as well as lifestyle options. It is situated near Lez River, a main high way and pedestrian bicycle paths. The proposal also suggests the potential of landscaping along Lez, and also suggests to increase the amount of green space at Christophe Coloumb Place.
© Cyrille Weiner
The residential tower was design to work in relation with the environment, the layered use of extended balconies creates the feeling of potentially branching off into the natural landscape, similar to the network of branches in a tree. The desired use of the residential public building was a kind of intermediate public space where its extended facilities are seen as an example and a highlight to the residents of Montpelier and also a potential area for tourism.
© Cyrille Weiner
The residential area also consists of multiple room layouts that are flexible to fit any inhabitants needs. Also the use of a modular interior units illustrate this kind of versatility providing inhabitants with a catalogue of floor plans. The building implements passive strategies and provides natural and sustainable resources that reduce and control the amount of energy emitted. Currently the proposed tower is the tallest architectural structure in the region and is desired to be the prime center of housing and social interaction.
Project info:
Architects: Dimitri Roussel, Nicolas Laisné, OXO Architectes, Sou Fujimoto Architects
Country: France, Montpellier
Area: 10225 m²
Year: 2019
Photographs: Cyrille Weiner
Manufacturers: Accoya
Engineering: ARGETEC, Franck Boutté Consultants, VPEAS, Relief GE, Les Eclaireurs, Socotec, Efectis, André Verdier
Landscape: Now Here Studio
Clients: Opalia, Promeo Patrimoine, Evolis Promotion, Crédit Agricole Immobilier Languedoc-Roussillon
Anastasia Andreieva is an accomplished Architectural Projects Editor at Arch2O, bringing a unique blend of linguistic expertise and design enthusiasm to the team. Born and raised in Ukraine, she holds a Master’s degree in Languages from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Her deep passion for architecture and visual storytelling led her to transition from translation and editorial roles into the world of design media. With a keen eye for conceptual clarity and narrative structure, Anastasia curates and presents global architectural projects with precision and flair. She is particularly drawn to parametric and digital design, cultural context, and emerging voices in architecture. When I’m not analyzing the latest architectural trends, you’ll probably find me searching for hidden gems in cityscapes or appreciating the beauty of well-crafted spaces. After all, great design—like great connections—can be found in the most unexpected places. Speaking of connections, because architecture isn’t the only thing that brings people together.