Destruction is on the horizon for a renowned brutalist hotel that holds significant historical value in Tunis, Tunisia. The Hotel du Lac, designed in 1973 by Italian architect Raffaele Contigiani, embodies the Brutalist architectural style known for its use of industrial materials and functional design principles.
Initially commissioned by Tunisia’s first president, Habib Bourguiba, the hotel served as a symbol of the country’s tourism growth following its independence from France. Over the years, the unique inverted pyramid structure of the Hotel du Lac became an iconic landmark in Tunisia, attracting notable figures like James Brown and even inspiring elements of the Star Wars franchise.
Despite its past glory, the hotel faced challenges and eventually closed in 2000 due to management issues. Efforts to revive the property were unsuccessful, leading to its abandonment for the past 25 years. Recently, the decision to demolish the Hotel du Lac was confirmed by Hadi Alfitory, director of the Libyan investment fund that acquired the property.
Plans for the site include the construction of a new $150 million shopping center and a 20-story luxury hotel that will maintain the essence of the original building. Despite public outcry and a petition with over 3,000 signatures urging preservation, the fate of the hotel seems sealed as preparations for demolition progress.
The petition highlights the significance of preserving the hotel as a part of the city’s heritage and potential economic opportunities through repurposing the space. However, with demolition permits secured, the iconic Hotel du Lac is on the brink of being replaced by modern developments, marking the end of an era for this architectural gem in Tunisia.