Sports Grandstand, Vaulx-en-Velin Hippodrome, Lyon, France, started life as the refurbishment of an old and very tired concrete Grandstand building which had stood on the site poorly maintained for years. It soon became apparent the existing building was insufficiently adaptable to fully satisfy the client’s needs and so a new project was devised.
Taking a Brief from the FCS – France Cheval Services – together with the client, a new state of the art facility was designed. Offices and technical rooms are at ground level with direct access from the street, and tucked under the spectator seating for 1000 people, with the Grand Hall at first floor at the top of the seating. The Owner’s Room and Restaurant is above with fantastic views over the whole of the racing track and over the winner’s enclosure, and with judges and photo-finish facilities at roof level.
We wanted the new Grandstand Building to be uncompromisingly modern but also tactile and ‘friendly’ and it has become a much-loved icon within the City of Lyon.
Copyright 2020