La Cité: an aeronautical heritage reinvented for innovation

An aeronautical heritage reinvented for innovation

At the heart of Toulouse, La Cité represents the revival of the historic Halles Latécoère—an emblematic aviation site transformed into a hub for collaborative and sustainable innovation.

A place rich in history

Built between 1917 and 1918 under the leadership of Pierre-Georges Latécoère, these halls witnessed the creation of the first military, commercial, and airmail aircraft. Over the decades, they became home to the production of bombers and airliners until the 1970s. Classified as part of France’s industrial aviation heritage, the site retains several remarkable structures, including three factory halls listed as Historic Monuments.

A contemporary architectural reinterpretation

Facades in dialogue with light

The architecture incorporates 2,400 m² of GEODE curtain walls, combined with 2,000 m² of SUNEAL aluminum sunshades. These elements ensure solar control while preserving the building’s identity. At the rear, a custom-designed reinterpretation of the historic arches features 1,100 m² of SUNEAL sunshades, combining two profiles—30 cm and 10 cm—to create a play of shadows and light, enhancing the perception of volumes. On the lateral facade, SOLEAL joinery alternates between structural posts and openings, complemented by vertical SUNEAL sunshades to optimize natural lighting for southwest-facing offices. Above the entrance, horizontal sunshade blades form a canopy, giving La Cité a monumental and welcoming entrance.

Technical performance at the height of the project

The scale of the project requires advanced technical solutions:

• Curtain walls reaching 15 meters in height, without intermediate support.

• 100 mm wide profiles, designed to withstand wind loads.

• Natural TECHNAL aluminum, a tribute to early aircraft, firmly anchoring La Cité in its aeronautical heritage.

A space open to innovation and exchange

The central hall, with its metal framework resting on brick pillars, has been conceived as a versatile event venue. At its heart, a palm grove pays tribute to the pioneers of airmail, who connected Toulouse to distant lands. The side naves, with their curved reinforced concrete structures, house spaces dedicated to collaboration and experimentation:

• Co-working areas and meeting rooms

• A 200-seat amphitheater

• A restaurant and FabLab

• A drone aviary, reinforcing the site’s technological and innovative dimension

A dialogue between past and future

Balancing industrial heritage with innovation, La Cité reinterprets Toulouse’s aeronautical architecture while adapting it to contemporary needs. Through TECHNAL solutions, the project combines light, openness, and energy efficiency, all while respecting the historic essence of the site.

TECHNAL solutions used:

GEODE curtain walls, SUNEAL sunshades, SOLEAL 65 doors and windows