Brest Arena

The building is a naturally ventilated « machine ». The roof is a “technological landscape” made up of north-facing ventilation and lighting chimneys. Inside the main hall, these chimneys, positioned above the arena, form a series of hollow conical volumes. Around the chimneys, the ceiling is composed of suspended foam cylinders that are part of the phonic absorption system. The technical solution generates the architectural signature.

With its peripheral balcony, its horseshoe layout when the stage is set, its acoustic ceiling and its moulded wood shell seats, the 5000 seats hall is designed as a performance hall where sports events can take place, and not the other way round.

The acoustics were submitted to extremely high level modelling to find the right balance between absorption and reflection, to solve the problem of infra bass during concerts without creating a too matte-sounding hall during other events.

The curved volume is entirely clad with natural aluminium that reflects the changing lights in the Brest skies. To emphasise this moving image, the ambulatory hall which surrounds the main hall unfurls fluidly depending on internal needs. On the square, the facades are transparent. Their upper part is opaque, gradually transforming into a latticework made of intersecting blades. In the daytime, the latticework filters light and allows a glimpse of the interior spaces, creating a certain sense of mystery. At night, the perception is very different. The interior lights up and the main hall’s orange volume appears in the background. The pattern of the latticework stands out against the light. The image is festive, an invitation to come inside.