In the midst of a major urban redevelopment, the City of Nice conducted an extensive international competition for the design of the Gare Thiers-Est development, which was won by Lev’s studio, and the design the jury picked reflects the ambitions of the city. In addition to a renovation of the train station, the development consists of 20,000 square meters of brand-new high-end retail and commercial on two floors, a 120-room hotel, office space, and a subterranean theater.
Taking the regional mineral azurite as inspiration, the building consists of a series of peaks cut in a crystalline fashion out of steel and glass. The reflective façade with metallic accents heightens the effect as facets with distinctive serigraphs on the windows that reflect the surrounding landscape of Nice. The design offers unique views of the city and the sea from an open-air rooftop terrace.