“ The design of the convertible grand hall is induced by its need for versatility as it must be functional for shows , concerts as well as for sports games .
geometric elements allowing a rational construction using textured aluminum plates .
THE LOBBY
The lobby is designed within the interstitial space between the three main venues . Its organization allows a fluid circulation of the different public flows according to various scenarios of occupation - the three venues can be in use at the same time or not . The lobby is characterized by its inverted conch-shaped volume and its acoustic ceiling made of wooden boards . The building has two ground floors and is organized so that the different types of flows
- public , sportsmen , technicians , artists , staff , and partners - are clearly separated .
THE SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT GRAND HALL
The functional organization of the building responds to its multiple uses . The design of the convertible grand hall is induced by its need for versatility as it must be functional for shows , concerts as well
ARCHITECTURAL FOCUS
as for sports games . While sports events require an arena system where the spectators are sitting all around the field , concerts and shows require a frontal system with a stage . The room is asymmetrical with a large balcony on one side , which allows the installation of a stage on the long north side , therefore reducing the distance between the performers and the public . Diagonal curtains can be drawn to transform the arena configuration into a trapezium that flares out starting from the stage frame . In the sports events ’ configuration , the field is closely surrounded by an arena of bleachers . The technical treatment of this hall has been thought out so that it can be quickly converted from one configuration to another : the space is completely transformed according to the program . The design of the walls , alternating between raw white concrete and wool felt , was elaborated in collaboration with acousticians . Areas of sound absorption , reverberation , or a mix of both were defined : corrugated raw concrete to distribute the sound in the space , strips of concrete alternating with strips of wool felt for the mixed areas , wool felt stretched with an acoustic mat for the absorbing zones , behind the bleachers . Suspended panels of wool felt were designed for the ceiling , creating an aerial geometric pattern . A vast technical grid is hidden behind them , allowing a great flexibility of equipment and scenic arrangements .
TECHNICAL SHEET
Location : Laval , France Client : Conseil Départemental de la Mayenne Surface : 15,100 sqm Project Team : Hérault Arnod Architectures , design and project supervisor Study team : Mickael Dusson and Jérôme Moenne-Loccoz , project managers , with Thomas Féraud , Paola Figueroa , Rana Abi Ghanem Execution team : Florent Bellet , project manager , with Arnaud Gilet Partners : Inex , hvac ; Batiserf , structure ; BMF , economics ; Ducks Scéno , scenography ; Lasa , acoustic ; Sempervirens , landscape ; B3i , roads and utilities ; Gérard Plénacoste , graphic design ; Hervé Audibert , outdoor lighting .
www . herault-arnod . fr
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