Opera Confluence

The challenge launched by the agglomeration of Grand Avignon in the summer of 2016 was explicit: to design in less than a year a demountable performance hall with 950 seats (850 fixed seats + 100 mobile) in order to respond to the desire to maintain the cultural activity in the agglomeration during the restoration of the historic Opera House.

The DE.SO agency (urban planning architects based in Paris and Avignon) responded well beyond the client's expectations with Opéra Confluence, a fully reusable ephemeral room which, today, has demonstrated the consistency between its envelope and acoustics. The optimal conditions for lyrical and diversified performances as well as the comfort of artists and spectators are proven.

This project is part of a circular logic from the start, as evidenced by the use of recovered equipment (armchairs, stage, grill) and the building's vast potential for reuse. In fact, the glulam frame as well as the entire envelope made up of prefabricated boxes (and technical and scenographic elements) can be completely dismantled and reassembled. The reduced number of assemblies enables the main structure to be lifted and built in a fortnight.

The Opera Confluence is revealed inside. Contrasting with the inert metal cladding on the facade, the wood is multiplied in structural elements, finishing panels and acoustic elements. Through its smell, color, tone and touch, the material creates a protective and warm environment.

The general design of the Opéra Confluence makes it possible to dissociate or combine each technical and programmatic element to envisage multiple future uses; the wood used for the structure and component of the casing is easy to handle, combine and possibly modify. This construction system offers a multitude of possibilities for using the building, its "low tech" character open to any capacity to appropriate a local identity.

Now that the historic Avignon Opera resumes its natural rights, the Confluence Opera will be sold. It will then have achieved its objective of an ephemeral and sustainable Opera, a theater outside the walls perfectly suited, as in Avignon, to ensure the continuity of high-level cultural services.

Architects: DE-SO architectes urbanistes
Technical design offices: GAUJARD TECHNOLOGiE - BETREC - MOUNIER PEYRIN - ART SCENIQUE - ALTIA
Technical control - Safety and Health Protection Coordination: APAVE
Construction companies: RiVAZi- SDCC, MARGUERON -TOURANCHE - CVI - ADM BASSEREAU