Technical assistance of the Exhibition Centre Canopy in Paris, France

KEY INFORMATION

Name: Parc des Expositions Porte de Versailles Paris: Mobile canopy in front of Pavilion 6
Date: 18 months ending in October 2019
Size: 70m x 60m x 50m              
Location: Paris, France
Architect: Jean Nouvel

PROJECT SUMMARY

SOCOTEC, a leader in testing, inspection and certification, provided technical assistance during the construction of a mobile canopy, a monumental structure marking the entrance to the new Pavilion Number 6 at the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Centre in Paris. 

PROJECT DETAILS

To mark the entrance to the new Pavilion 6 at the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Centre in Paris, architect Jean Nouvel designed an innovative triangle-shaped structure: a 70 m x 60 m x 50 m mobile canopy. It can swivel on its base by means of the two mirrored cylinders. Placed in a lowered position during exhibitions, it invites visitors to slip underneath to make their way towards the lobby entrance.

Its main purpose, though, is to serve as a communication medium of a whole new kind. Hundreds of illuminated newspapers are hung below the structure, swaying with its inclination. They display practical details which visitors will need, in a colourful text that unfolds from top to bottom. At certain times, they come together to form a large three-dimensional screen. 

For this revolutionary project, SOCOTEC, a global player specialised in risk management for the construction industry, provided all technical assistance services at each stage of the construction process: design study validation, working group management, risk analysis, construction, regulatory and non-regulatory consulting, on-site acceptance of subcontractor lots and final acceptance.