grimentz-sorebois aerial tram, competition

client :

municipality of grimentz

programme :

125 passengers aerial tram grimentz-sorebois, district planning around the grimentz-bendolla gondola

dates :

competition april 2008

collaboration :

françois meyer architecture, sion

district plan

the project proposes to increase the density of buildings along the rue de roua and to create an open meeting space lined by shops, as an extension of the rue de la laiterie. it will form a new, attractive and essential part of grimentz.
the new cable car will be located in the centre of this open space, relating directly to the bus stop area. its position enables the reception and waiting area for ski lift users to be designated within the village of grimentz without obstructing the view from the housing to the south of the current cable car.

aerial tram

the cross-section of the cable car line gives an idea of its significant length, more than 3 km. the passenger flow that this development will generate means it will have a substantial impact on the region’s activity. paradoxically, the only visual signs of this installation will be the two buildings at either end.

the project does not seek to hide the scale of this installation but, on the contrary, announces its presence with a departure station of significant size by comparison with the neighbouring buildings. the materiality of the façades enables the station to be integrated into the village, while proclaiming its function by its form.

to enable improved structural and functional flexibility, the cable car station is an autonomous building, although a reception area (around the bottom of the ski piste) does form a direct connection between the entrance of the new space and that of the existing cable car.