A greenhouse in the heart of the city
The heart of the problem: the large glass hall, meant to capture natural light while regulating the indoor temperature. However, under this sweltering heat, it has turned into a veritable furnace, putting the comfort of travelers and the activity of merchants at risk. Travelers have reported unbearable conditions, suffocating heat, lack of ventilation, and air that’s hard to breathe.
The SNCF, without confirming the mentioned 42°C, has nevertheless ordered the temporary closure of the upper floor, which reopened later in the afternoon after two powerful fans were installed.
Anger and Concerns for the Merchants
For Fabrice Martinez, manager of the Zaw brasserie, it's all about confusion: «They sold us a bioclimatic train station of the 21st century... This can’t happen again. »
Behind the sudden closure are commercial losses, wasted goods, a clear and obvious loss of earnings, and especially negative publicity for a place that was meant to symbolize modernity. Some merchants also point out the SNCF's lack of foresight, with just a simple email at 10 am notifying of a closure at 2 pm, without prior consultation.
Is It Time to Rethink the Design?
The famous architect Rudy Ricciotti, responsible for the new station, has declined to comment on these criticisms, but the SNCF has, for its part, launched a technical investigation to understand this thermal malfunction.
A meeting between the merchants and SNCF is scheduled in the coming days to take stock, discuss, and find a solution.
One thing's for sure, as new heat waves approach, both users and professionals hope to never experience such a scenario again!