Envisioned to raise the profile of Saint- Etienne as a regional venue for arts events, the Zénith is a state-of-the-art music venue in France that other than solving other purposes will also help in regeneration of the Rhone-Alpes region. Developed in response to aerodynamic studies, the Zénith features a distinctive cantilevered roof structure (fully reversible), which works as a wind scoop to cool the auditorium through natural ventilation by channeling the flow of air, for the roof void harness the cold air currents with ceiling slab becoming a radiant cooling surface.
The innovative roof structure not just brings in the fresh air but also helps in reducing the energy consumption used for artificial cooling. While on the other hand, the deep overhang of the roof canopy other than offering shade to the glazed foyer also uses water from boreholes to make a balance with mechanical cooling. There is an underground thermal ‘rock store’ that supports the passive pre-cooling of large volumes of air. Visitors can access the concert hall through a broad ramped plinth (bridging the busy road outside) and a glazed foyer (attached to different floors and visitor amenities) moves the guest within the structure. Accommodating 1,100 to 7,200 people, the flexible auditorium includes changing and production spaces, staff refectories and delivery areas, together with a VIP reception suite, at the backstage as well. Moreover, the Zénith is connected with rail transport and offers parking space for 1,200 cars.
