Inauguration of the U Arena in Nanterre

23 October 2017 - Events - France

VINCI Construction France has just handed over the U Arena in Nanterre, by Paris, the biggest covered adaptable facility in Europe which, for its first inaugural concert, on 19 October, welcomed the Rolling Stones.

Created on behalf of the Racing Arena company, this structure (surface area: 115,000 sq. metres) can be configured, depending on requirements, as a rugby stadium (30,400 spectators) or a performance venue (up to 40,000 spectators) and will benefit from high-performance sound insulation.

Designed by architecture consultancy Christian de Portzamparc and created by Bateg, Sogea TPI et Chantiers Modernes Construction (VINCI Construction France subsidiaries), the building’s envelope is composed of three levels of white and transparent scales and 654 prefabricated panels in white concrete recalling the form of the stands inside. The imposing 6,500 t internal steel framework supports the roofing sheltering the technical and stage management installations.

Soletanche Bachy (VINCI Construction) supplied the structure’s deep foundations and Freyssinet (VINCI Construction) was responsible for lifting the central roof into position. The major technical works package, comprising the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and smoke extraction (HVACSE), the HV and LV works and the plumbing, was entrusted to four VINCI Energies France business units (Lefort Francheteau, GTIE Tertiaire, Santerne IdF and Saga Tertiaire). 

The project also includes retail outlets and 30,000 sq. metres of office space, including the headquarters of the Council of the Hauts-de- Seine department.