la seine musicale by shigeru ban and jean de gastines opens in paris

after four years of construction, ‘la seine musicale’ has become the newest cultural centre in paris, with two main auditoriums that can accommodate audiences of up to 1,150 and 6,000 each. designed by japanese architect shigeru ban with french architect jean de gastines, the round glass-and-timber venue stands on an island in the seine and integrates five recording studios, practice rooms, a rooftop garden and a ‘sail’ of solar panels.

the venue has opened to the public on île seguin
image © laurent blossier

developed in collaboration with local architect jean de gastines, shigeru ban’s ship-like design responds to the curvature of the island as well as its industrial heritage. the project’s defining feature is a spherical auditorium with a ‘sail’ of photovoltaic panels, which moves in response to the sun’s path across the sky. conceived as a new symbol for western paris, ‘la seine musicale’ also seeks to stand as a landmark of sustainability for the city.

the island is located on the seine in paris’ western suburbs
image © laurent blossier

dedicated to classical and contemporary non-amplified music, the 1,150-seat auditorium has been designed to foster visual and acoustic intimacy between the performers and the audience. surrounding the stage, interior walls and ceilings have been covered with a variety of timber forms and patterns that establish a warm and inviting atmosphere.

an aerial view of the development
image © air images — philippe guignard

alongside the auditorium, the scheme also includes a large multipurpose concert hall, a smaller classical music venue, rehearsal and recording rooms, and a range of retail outlets. with a public rooftop park that extends inside the building itself, a clear emphasis has been put on the scheme’s accessibility and the inclusion of welcoming civic facilities.

the building extends nearly 280 meters along the riverbank
image © laurent blossier

the ship-like design responds to the curvature of the island
image © laurent blossier

the auditorium has been designed to foster visual and acoustic intimacy
image © nicolas grosmond

the auditorium contains a total of 1,150 seats
image © laurent blossier

interior walls and ceilings have been covered with a variety of timber forms
image © laurent blossier

woven patterns establish a warm and inviting atmosphere
image © laurent blossier

project info:

architects: shigeru ban and jean de gastines
surface area: 36,500 sqm
auditorium: 1,150 seats
landscape artist: bassinet turquin paysage

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'la seine musicale' by shigeru ban and jean de gastines opens in western paris

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