France

ABOUT

As we near the opening of the Rugby World Cup, set to be hosted by France from 8 September to 28 October 2023, it’s an opportunity to look back at one of Serge Ferrari’s most iconic projects: the Groupama Stadium in Lyon, France.

Lyon Stadium — a landmark projec

Inaugurated in 2016, the Groupama Stadium is an ambitious architectural development project in the municipality of Décines-Charpieu, which lies on the outskirts of the former Gaulish capital. With just over 59,000 seats, around 8,000 sqm of reception areas and more than 100 private viewing boxes, the stadium has been designed as a multifunctional venue capable of hosting sporting events for football and rugby as well as live music from international celebrities. It is also home to the Olympique Lyonnais.

The design was developed by US-based architecture practice Populous, which specialises in the delivery of sports arenas and is recognised worldwide for their countless successful contributions. This particular project earned the firm a British Expertise International Award in 2018 for best International Architecture & Design Project.

For the 2023 Rugby World Cup, nine stadiums have been chosen across France to host the competition’s 48 events. Five of these events will be played on the Groupama Stadium’s field.

A stadium canopy dressed in Précontraint TX30

Various products manufactured by Serge Ferrari Group were selected for different applications, the most significant of which being the stadium’s monumental canopy, which is covered with close to 30,000 sqm of Xtrem TX30 fabric. Developed specifically to meet high standards of both mechanical strength and visual appeal for the most challenging projects, the Xtrem TX30 membrane uses the CROSSLINK formulation. This major technological advancement delivers longer-lasting resistance to oxidation, while ensuring structural and aesthetic performance over several decades.

A feat of engineering

The design for the stadium’s canopy posed a major challenge. Arena canopies are traditionally slanted for increased resistance to environmental stress factors, including snow loads, wind, etc. However, the concept developed by Populous proposed a facetted canopy design — timeless in style, but extremely difficult to achieve in terms of tension control.

In total, 144 fabric panels — from 18 to 36 metres in length each — have been used to cover the stadium, wrapping an intricate metal structure rising 45 metres above ground.

Complementary fittings in a range of Serge Ferrari fabrics

Additional Serge Ferrari Group products were also selected to complete the fit-out of the stadium. These include more than 100 vertical panels for visual advertising manufactured from Frontside 381 and positioned along the exterior walls, and some 230 vertical slat blinds made from Soltis 99 to sunproof private box windows and the glazed surfaces of annex buildings. In addition, the Stamskin range has also been used to create wall claddings and upholstered furniture for the various lounges and VIP boxes.

Project participants :

Project owner: La Foncière du Montout
Architect: Populous
Urban planning: Intens-Cité
Installation: ACS Production
Copyright : Paul Thouvenin