populous + ateliers 2/3/4 to design national rugby stadium in france

‘FFR grand stade’ by populous + ateliers 2/3/4, essone, franceimage © populous

international firm populous in collaboration with local firm ateliers 2/3/4 have just been given the commissioned for the new ‘FFR grand stade’ to be built just south of paris, in essone. the french rugby federation’s (FFR) venue is considered the national stadium of rugby, with a capacity of 82,000 seats, it is designed to serve several functions including conventions, a range of sporting events, and concerts in what will be europe’slargest roofed entertainment venue. the canopy and pitch are retractable giving the stadium full flexibility and freedom to hold events regardlessof climatic conditions, with a large jumbotron displaying additional information, close-ups, and replays. the architecture itself alludes to the protection and hospitality of a town, with solid white stone masses on the exterior resembling the rock quarries of the region contrasted bythe variety of dynamic social spaces and multi-level lounges within the structure. the solid orthogonal nature of the forms are broken up by large expanses of glass that offer transparencies and panoramic views onto the field from several places apart from the seating areas.a thin ribbon creates parabolic curves that originate from the ground plan framing the several entrances into the complex.

president of the french rugby federation, pierre camou, expresses:

 ‘today, we have taken a fundamental step which embodies a strong ambition and a vital project for the ffr, allowing it to be autonomous and master of its future. now we know what this ‘garden of french rugby’ will look like a modern, innovative and multifunctional venue which can take part fully in the national and international sports landscape.’

solid stone masses sit heavily on the site, interrupted by voids of lightimage © populous

multi-level loungesimage © populous

peripheral corridors servicing the seatsimage © populous

image © populous

view from the fieldimage © populous