La Seine Musicale

At the downstream tip of an island in the river, the music centre continues the island’s urban plan while standing out as a cultural landmark. At the end of the island the base rises at an angle, and from it emerges a rounded nest of woven timber holding the auditorium, its iridescent shell visible from outside.

Beside it, a large photovoltaic sail moves with the sun through the day, shading the glazed nest and producing energy. The Japanese design team, with a French practice, organised the programme along a grand foyer, the spine of the building, which serves the main hall, the auditorium, business spaces and rehearsal and recording studios, and holds shops, cafés and restaurants open to all.

The main hall follows the tradition of large popular halls and works as a flexible stage for concerts, musicals, theatre and conventions, seating 4,000 people or holding 6,000 seated and standing.