Adret, the systems designer and project manager for the stadium’s lighting program, called on the NRA and Approvisionnement Electrique in an advisory capacity to carry out feasibility studies, on-site testing and post-installation adjustments.
Dynamic, functional architecture
Resolutely modern in design, the Palais des Sports is first and foremost a functional, multi-purpose facility. Because integration into the urban environment was a major
concern, the stadium was designed to ensure easy, direct access from the various neighborhoods in Toulon.
The site totals 13,000 square meters (c. 140,000 square feet) and includes a large general purpose gym (4,000 square meters, or c. 43,000 square feet) equipped to host national and European events in all disciplines. The modular stands have room for up to 4,365 spectators.
Depending on the disciplines, 8 different activities can be held at the same time in the stadium’s dedicated or modular areas.
With the aerodynamic, ellipsoidal look of a genuine sports spaceship, the building boasts the most up-to-date and the most varied materials and construction techniques. A structure combining glass, reinforced concrete and steel frame, a C.M.C. foundation system (Controlled Modulus Columns), soundproofing to filter out noise from the nearby expressway, a cooling system to avoid greenhouse effect, and special nighttime ventilation are just a few examples.
Facilities directly linked to the Pont-du-Las and complete renewal of the west-side entry to the city
The NRA did more than just light up the new stadium; it also provided lighting for the pedestrian overpass linking the west side of Toulon to the stadium, the adjacent parking areas and the entry to the city.
In fact, the entire west-side entry to the city has undergone major urban renewal. The fortifications have been refurbished, the moats have been lit up, the streets have been repaved and the bicycle path has been extended all the way to Castigneau.
The Pont-du-Las, the new, cable-stayed pedestrian overpass (6.5 yards wide, 5.5 yards high and 93 yards long—with no intermediate pillars), is a major architectural achievement, skillfully lit up by the NRA.
“Our involvement in the project was total! We were so into it that when we found out that the overpass was going to be erected in the middle of the night, we rushed right out to be there for such a key stage in the project!” said Dominique Delozanne, Architectural Lighting Manager at Approvisionnement Electrique.
Approvisionnement Electrique and the Comptoir d’Electricité supplied 95% of the electrical equipment required for this major project (lighting, cable trays, electrical switchgear cabinets, etc).
Since one good thing often leads to another, the NRA has just won a major contract for lighting up over 300 yards of building façades on the main avenue in Toulon.
Key figures for the Palais des Sports
- 160 meters (175 yards) long
- 90 meters (98 yards) wide
- 9–18 meters (10–20 yards) tall
- 10,000 square meters (108,000 square feet) of ground area
NRA: a network of Sonepar Sud-Est branches specializing in lighting.
