|
Foster + Partners’ New Performance Venue in Saint-Etienne Opens |
|
|
|
Written by Vector1Media
|
PR - Foster + Partners’ new cultural destination for Saint-Etienne – the
Zénith – opened yesterday, in a ceremony attended by Norman Foster and
Johnny Hallyday. The result of an international design competition in
2004, the new building is characterised by its aerodynamic roof and
flexible performance space, and marks a major departure from Zénith’s
tradition of using temporary venues.
The Zénith will be launched by a series of public events, culminating
in the first concert on 12 October. As the first purpose built
state-of-the art music venue in the Rhône-Alpes region of France, the
project will greatly raise Saint-Etienne’s profile as a regional venue
for arts events and help to drive the regeneration of this former
industrial city.
http://www.fosterandpartners.com/Projects/1299/Default.aspx
The adaptable performance space can be configured to accommodate 1,100
to 7,200 people and host a variety of productions, from music to sports
events including tennis and skating. Access to the concert hall is
across a broad ramped podium that incorporates the artists’ and
backstage facilities and bridges a busy road. This creates a large
plaza, shaded in part by the deep overhang of the roof canopy which
also shades a generous glazed foyer.
The building’s form is energy efficient and offers great flexibility.
Located in a valley with prevailing north and south winds, the
cantilevered roof structure channels air through the building – the
system is fully reversible to take advantage of winds from both
directions to assist natural ventilation and cooling. At night, the
cold air currents through the auditorium are harnessed, using the
thermal properties of the exposed concrete finishes in the auditorium.
Norman Foster said:
“The Zénith provides a flexible, state-of-the-art venue for the people
of Saint-Etienne and I look forward to seeing the opening performances
bring the building to life. Its distinctive roof is a significant part
of the building’s environmental strategy as well as a powerful symbol
of regeneration for the city.”
|
Vector1Media |
| About the author: |
| |
|
.jpg)
