The Great Auvergne Market Hall
The Great Auvergne Market Hall was opened on 3 December 2003 by Valérie Giscard d'Estaing, the Chairman of the Auvergne Regional Council, and is the result of a project launched in 1996 by the Regional Council aimed at giving the region a new and efficient tool for economic and cultural development.
The sophisticated Great Auvergne Market Hall project (48.000 m²) situated on the close periphery of Clermont-Ferrand accomodates several different facilities on its premises : the Zénith, the exhibition centre, the Auvergne reception rooms and the congress centre, all adjoined by the same gallery. However, each component is an independant element that can function on its own.
The main concern of the architects, Serge and André Grésy, partners in the Chamalières Beertherat-Van Le firm of architects, was to totally incoporate all the facilities into a location facing the Gergovie Plateau and the Puys mountains. 5.500 trees were planted over 12.000 m² in order to landscape the location including oak trees from America and also shrubs. The curved shapes of the building were inspired by the flow of the Auvergne scenery, and the greyish blue hue was chosen so that the buidlings would blend into the plain. |
The Zenith - 8.000 m²
This volcanic cone shaped modular hall can accomodate up to 8.500 spectators. The construction had to meet the requirements of special specifications drawn up by the Ministry of Communication and Cultural Affairs : Good quality acoustics with a variable system in the ceiling, a clear height of 17 metres under the framework, frontward seat arrangement facing the stage for better visibility, direct access via ramps for the disabled, flexibility of the capacity and stalls, the shortest distance possible between the stage and the audience, access organised from the main entrance in compliance with the safety standards.
The acoustic process used for the Zénith hall is a system of 'bass traps', empty tetrahedrons that trap low pitch sounds, with a ceiling that is sound reverberating on the one side and absorbing on the other. There is also an acoustic conch that provides the ability to recreate a hall of 1.700 people within the hall. The aim being to reflect the sound back to the spectator.
This centre is mainly intended to cater for fairs and exhibitions. It is the equivalent of two football pitches in size (200 metres long by 66 metres wide), thus the organisation of the volume is fully ajustable. Two extensions are planned to be built on either side of the building later on.
They are at the same level as a French style garden (entirely enclosed), revealing a magnificent and protected view of the puy de Dôme. Can be adapted into four rooms, and is intended to accomodate receptions.
It comprises a hall for 600 people and seven meeting rooms, all of which are adjustable. The main room has been fitted with excellent acoustics using wood.
The weight of the metal framework of the last three facilities is 350 tons of steel, 800 tons of steel being used for the framework of the Zénith. Two metal framework companies worked on the projects : GAGNE company on the Zénith, and VILLEQUIN et BARBOT company on the Great Market Hall.
The ARVAL products were used for the thermo-acoustic roofing of the Great Market Hall. The design of the acoustic envelope was elaborated by architects along with SMAC-Aciéroid from Lyon.
Some figures :
17.000 m² i.e. 150 tons of trays Muresco BZ 76.400/0.75mm-Phonesco T pre-painted 15
17.000 m² i.e. 123 tons of profile LS 5.35.1000T/0.75mm galvanised
