Current Situation and Solution: Design of the Carré des Arts Square Canopy – Integrating Heritage and Flexible Event Space
Within the framework of the European Capital of Culture Mons 2015, the development of a flexible space for cultural events in the courtyard of the heritage military building Carré des Arts was a particular architectural challenge. Architectural Office AgwA and engineers Ney & Partners was commissioned to develop a flexible membrane roof for the structure. The Carré des Arts canopy creates a space that can accommodate up to $1200$ people, transforming the courtyard into the largest outdoor courtyard in the city center. This is a unique solution that meets the needs of hosting the “Festival au Carré” and other events, while preserving the integrity of the heritage building.
—
Technical Requirements Analysis & Solution Context
The Carré des Arts project posed complex technical and contextual requirements:
* Heritage conservation: The new structure needs to be protected and delicately integrated into the 19th century heritage military building, ensuring that the roof can be completely removed without affecting the original structure.
* Flexibility: Need a multifunctional space, capable of hosting large-scale cultural events (up to 1200 people) in a variety of weather conditions.
* Construction efficiency: Requires the ability to handle and install the canopy easily and quickly from the ground.
* Structural integration: It is necessary to integrate all reinforcing structures according to the thickness of the existing concrete structure, ensuring solidity without breaking the appearance.
* Aesthetics: The design needs to be in harmony with the existing architecture and can incorporate artistic elements, creating a unique and attractive space.
—
Technical Solutions
The Carré des Arts canopy is a prime example of the creativity and efficiency of tensile membrane architecture in solving complex challenges, especially in heritage contexts.
Over-span structure and mobility
The Carré des Arts courtyard, the largest open-air courtyard in the city centre, is now covered by five large membrane domes. These domes have been delicately designed to respond to the arches and spans of the heritage building, creating architectural harmony. What is unique about this solution is that the membranes can be completely removed, leaving the heritage building intact when the roof is not needed. This demonstrates the versatility and respect for history of tensile membrane architecture.
Advantages and construction techniques
The special structure of the Carré des Arts canopy is designed to allow for very easy and quick handling from the ground. This minimises the need for heavy lifting equipment and shortens installation/dismantling times. The entire reinforcement structure is integrated into the thickness of the existing concrete structure, ensuring stability while maintaining the refined appearance of the heritage building. In addition, the Belgian artist Jean-Luc Moerman drew a vast network of curves on the asphalt of the courtyard, creating a new layer echoing the new sky, enhancing the overall artistic value of the square.
—
Results and Performance Evaluation
The Carré des Arts canopy has been a remarkable success in transforming a heritage space into a multi-functional and engaging event venue. The solution not only provides effective shelter for $1200$ attendees but also maintains and celebrates the historical value of the heritage military building. The flexibility of the membranes being completely removable demonstrates the adaptability of tensile membrane architecture to heritage conservation requirements. The easy handling from the ground and the subtle integration of the reinforcement structure have optimized the construction process and minimized costs. The combination of architecture and art (work by Jean-Luc Moerman) has created a unique space where history and contemporary blend, enriching the cultural experience of Mons – European Capital of Culture 2015.
—
Contact Technical Consulting
Flexiiform is a professional Tensile Fabric design and construction company in Vietnam. With a team of well-trained and skilled Architects and Engineers, we are proud to be the only unit in Vietnam to receive professional advice from FasTech Company – The leading design and construction company of tensioned fabric structures in Thailand, with nearly 30 years of prestige and experience in the industry and successfully implementing more than 1,000 tensioned fabric projects in Thailand and Southeast Asia. With the strength of creative ideas in tensioned fabric architectural design, along with practical construction methods, Flexiiform is confident that it will bring the most optimal solutions for each specific project, especially projects related to tensioned fabric structures for squares and event spaces, similar to the canopy of Carré des Arts square.
For expert advice or to request a detailed quote, please contact us. You can find more information about the Carré des Arts project at ArchDaily or Mon 2015, and see Reference video from The AltiGator.
Contact information:
Company: Flexiiform
Phone: +84 8678 68830
Website: https://flexiiform.vn/
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/flexiiform/
