Nimes Arena

Nimes, France
© G.Fessy
Fotografia © LIN Architects Urbanists
Fotografia © LIN Architects Urbanists
Dibuix © LIN Architects Urbanists
Fotografia © G.Fessy
Fotografia © LIN Architects Urbanists
Fotografia © G.Fessy
Fotografia © LIN Architects Urbanists
Fotografia © LIN Architects Urbanists
Architects
LIN Architects Urbanists
Localització
4 Boulevard des Arènes, 30000 Nimes, France
Any
1989

In December 1989 the ancient arena of Nîmes is for the first time covered with temporary roofing – a lens-shaped pneumatic form commissioned for winter-season use. Meant to be assembled and dismantled twice a year, the lightweight structure keeps careful distance between the ancient walls and the new roofing. The discreet solution, characterized by its very low section, from the exterior hardly renders visible the fact that within the old roman walls something has changed. Inside the arena, the shape of the new roof does not limit the natural upward lift of the ancient elliptical theatre’s seating. The pneumatic construction is an integrated contemporary solution, technically compatible with the monument, that deals with questions of cyclical utility and an adequate contemporary position of architecture in facing almost 200 years of history.

The roof consists of two translucent polyester tarpaulins of 4200 m2 that create an air cushion 13 m high. Both membranes covering the arena are made of a PVC-coated polyester fabric; the lower membrane rests on a network of cables to reduce its interior curvature. The structure itself consists of an elliptical steel compression ring with hinged cushioned membranes. This highly flexible compression ring is bowed and stabilized simultaneously. The self-stabilizing steel ring, similar to a wheel hub, rests on 30 supporting metallic columns.

Despite the roof’s “weightlessness”, a powerful shape persists, completely lacking in nostalgic elements, an air cushion confronting the monolithic stone. This architecture is not a frontal attack against established patterns and ruins but develops out of “practical knowledge” which makes a critical contribution towards the enduring life of this historical monument. A crowded urban vista is met by the weightlessness of an interior intervention enabling ancient facilities a modern day use.

Program
Installation of a mobile and temporary roofing to create a winter show space in the antique arena (1st century AD). The inflatable membrane lens (90mX60) is held in a compression ring on 30 metallic columns. The periphery is closed by a system of transparent and revolving coverslips.

Client
City of NÎMES

Status
1989 December 89, since then yearly erection

Location
NÎMES, GARD, France ARÈNES antiques
Place de la RÉPUBLIQUE

Cost
6,50 Mio € (value 1989)

Surface
8 000m². Inflatable LENSE measures: 91m x 62m

Team
Finn GEIPEL, Nicolas MICHELIN, LABFAC; Structural Engineers: Werner SOBEK; SCHLAICH, BERGERMANN and Partner, Stuttgart; Acoustic Engineers: Roger LAMORAL, Cannes; Civil Engineers: Guy BONARDI, Paris; Construction Firm: BAUDIN CHÂTEAUNEUF, ORLÉANS; Facade Engineers: MERLO, Turin; Engineers for the membrane: STROMEYER INGENIEURBAU, Konstanz; Sound: Christian HEIL, GONNESSE; Execution: BAUDIN CHÂTEAUNEUF, ORLÉANS; Electric Engineer: Bet BLEUSE

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