Allianz Riviera Stadium, OGC Nice France, French Architecture, Images, Arena Design

Allianz Riviera Stadium

Sports Venue in Nice, France – design by Wilmotte & Associés, Architects

10 Jun 2016 ; updated with new photos 10 Dec 2015 ; 27 Oct 2014

Allianz Riviera Stadium in Nice

Location: Nice, southeast France

Design: Wilmotte & Associés

The Allianz Riviera Stadium is a multipurpose eco-stadium designed by architects Wilmotte & Associés. The architectural parti was transparency, and special attention was paid to the stadium’s skin, eliminating the distinction between inside and outside and animating both the interior and exterior of the building.

photo © Milène Servelle

This concept was achieved with the largest timber-metal space frame ever built clad with a translucent membrane (ETFE). The translucency provides views through to the wooden lattice structure and beyond, creating an ethereal play between light and shadow.

photo © Milène Servelle

During the day, the stadium is filled with diffused natural light, while at night, it glows from within. Acting like a protective veil, the undulating membrane appears to float, sheltering the stadium but lifting on two sides to welcome the spectators.

photo © Milène Servelle

Sustainability was of paramount importance throughout the design and construction process. Roof-mounted photovoltaic modules cover an area of 7,500sqm and provide 1,500MWh/year, a large proportion of the building’s electrical needs. Rainwater is collected from the roof and stored for pitch irrigation and toilet usage. In addition, ventilation stacks harness the prevailing wind to provide natural ventilation to interior spaces.

photos © Serge Demailly

Approved by the leading international sport federations, including UEFA, the 131m x 73m pitch can accommodate the highest level of football, rugby, tennis, and boxing events. The stadium is also designed to host numerous other event configurations. The concert layout allows for up to 45,000 spectators with the shape of the stadium designed to create a sense of intimacy even in such a large space.

images © Wilmotte & Associés

Allianz Riviera Stadium in Nice – Building Information

Location: France, Nice
Competition 2010 – 1st prize
Licensing authority: City of Nice
Project Owner: Allianz Riviera
Promoter: Adim Côte d’Azur
Constructor: Vinci Construction France
Architects: Wilmotte & Associés
Building engineering: Egis Bâtiment
Wood engineer: Fargeot Lamellé Collé
Solar Farm: EDF ENR Solaire
Site area: 14 ha
Stadium: 54,000sqm, 35,000 seats
Construction: August 2011-August 2013

photos © Milène Servelle

The structure in figures:
49,500sqm of covered space
4,000 m3 of spruce wood
18,000 assembled components
4,636 glued laminated timber sections assembled and “interwoven”
6,000 glued laminated wood braces
1,200 lap and mortise joints at wood intersections
2,840 tons of metal structure
46 m of cantilever