Paris, France
1998
Paris Expo Hall 4
Pavilion 4 is the first stage of a huge plan for restructuring the site of the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Centre.
Client
Architects
Program
Area
Planning
Client
Viparis
Architects
Valode & Pistre (Architects)
Ove Arup (framework)
Program
Exhibition spaces, restaurants, conference rooms.
Area
20 000 m²
Planning
Delivery
1998
It embodies the Centre’s new ambitions for versatility, performance, convenience and comfort, with the aim of opening it up not just for exhibitions, but also for conferences and events, including cultural events. It is designed as a tool with exceptional dimensions: 250 m long by 84 m wide, with 10.50 m of usable height.
The structures are irrigated throughout by a basement and by technical ceilings designed like theatre lighting rigs, thus ensuring complete flexibility of use. Giant girders span the 84 metres, thus leaving the space free of pillars. The pavilion entrances are signalled and embellished by immense lever arms which place the girders under tension.
Combined with overhead lines of light, they mark the East-West direction and provide the interior volume with landmarks and viewing comfort, for exhibitors as much as for the public.
The structures are irrigated throughout by a basement and by technical ceilings designed like theatre lighting rigs, thus ensuring complete flexibility of use. Giant girders span the 84 metres, thus leaving the space free of pillars. The pavilion entrances are signalled and embellished by immense lever arms which place the girders under tension.
Combined with overhead lines of light, they mark the East-West direction and provide the interior volume with landmarks and viewing comfort, for exhibitors as much as for the public.
Johnson & Johnson Headquarters