Limoges Concert Hall
Concept Recontextualized
The Concert Hall in Limoges, located in the center of France, returns to the general envelope concept already explored
in Rouen, but transforms it through a new material strategy. If, as we have suggested, architecture is the
materialization of a concept, what if the concept remains the same, but the material changes? We decided to explore
the implications of such a transformation with a new variation on a familiar program.
In Rouen, the outer envelope was made of steel and the inner envelope of exposed concrete. In Limoges, the outer
envelope is made of wood arcs and translucent rigid polycarbonate sheets and the inner envelope of wood.
The use of wood was suggested by the location of the hall, in a clearing within a large forest surrounded by trees over
200 years old. The region also has an active timber industry. In addition, the soft translucency of the polycarbonate
complemented the wooden frame by allowing light to filter in and out of the building. The strategy establishes
reciprocity between concept and context.
The configuration of the double envelope with circulation in-between is a scheme that is advantageous for both
acoustical and thermal reasons. In Limoges, we modified the basic typology to respond to several siting issues:
whereas Rouen's spiral aimed at channeling the lateral movement of crowds entering the building sideways, Limoges's
detached and fragmented envelope opens in two directions, towards both the forest and the road. Between the two
envelopes are the movement vectors: two ramps, one extending downward toward the lower tiers of the auditorium,
and the other upward toward the upper tiers. Additionally, two straight "flying" staircases extend directly toward the
top row of seats.
Much of the material treatment is determined by energy conservation and sustainability considerations. The 5-cm-thick
semi-rigid polycarbonate sheeting, with its multiple inner layers of cells, provides excellent insulation value. The
highest portion of the facade has a pixelated design silk-screened directly on the shell for additional solar protection.
Natural ventilation is integrated into the concept, so that the climate of the foyer can be kept at a temperate level, with
little additional heating required.
Acoustics play a major role in the treatment of the inner envelope, both internally and externally. In the auditorium,
strong absorption is required for an 8,000-spectator-capacity hall, while in the large, 1800-square-meter foyer,
absorbent and reflective materials are alternated to generate more varied ambiences and acoustic effects.
Program Concert Hall for 6,000 with flexible seating that accommodates between 600 to
8,000 spectators; 4,500 seats in 4 wood colors arranged in a pixelated pattern;
main foyer with bar and reception room; professional administrative and concert
production rooms; 2 catering facilities for crew, green room; a 1500-vehicle
capacity parking on 10 acres covered with natural grass and trees; parking lot
lighting provided by 5 luminous balloons also used as site signage. Hall has
Zenith designation administered by the Minister of Culture.
Materials
Structure Concrete wall, metal, and wood frame
Translucent envelope Alveolar polycarbonate
Inner envelope Acoustic wood trestle
Wooded seats 4500 seats made in 4 different stains
Type of Wood Douglas pine
Floors Concrete and self-glossed paving
Stage Equipment Catwalk and lift bridge built in the metal frame roof truss (diameter:
80 meters)
External ground Earth-stone mixed for grass and natural vegetation
Lighting and Signage 5 luminous balloons