Concert hall in Limoges by Bernard Tschumi

On Thursday, March 8, 2007, the concert hall Zénith was ceremoniously opened in Limoges, France. The building, which accommodates 6,000 spectators (but can range from 600 to 8,000), was designed by architect Bernard Tschumi in collaboration with the local office Atelier 4. The giant stage measures 79 x 40 meters. The lighting of the hall is handled by five giant balloons that also serve as projection surfaces. The outer shell of Tschumi's design consists of a curved wooden structure covered with polycarbonate, which allows light to pass through from both sides and gives a hint of the activities occurring inside. The inner shell of the hall is made of solid wood, creating a sense of intimacy. For his concept, Tschumi was inspired by the light and atmosphere of a 200-year-old forest on the outskirts of the city. His design utilizes environmentally friendly and energy-saving materials from the local timber industry. A parking lot for 1,500 cars was created according to the design by landscape architect Michel Desvignes and is entirely covered by a grassy roof.
The first cultural event will take place here on Saturday, March 17, when the hall will host a concert by French pop star Michel Polnareff. Link>