The Zénith de Saint-Étienne, located at Rue Scheurer-Kestner in Saint-Étienne, France, is a state-of-the-art cultural and entertainment venue designed by Sir Norman Foster. Here is a detailed description of its meeting, conference, and event facilities:
Meeting and Conference Facilities
- Auditorium Flexibility: The auditorium can be configured to accommodate audiences ranging from 1,100 to 7,200 people, making it highly versatile for various events.
- Backstage Facilities: The venue includes comprehensive backstage facilities such as changing and production spaces, staff refectories, delivery areas, and a VIP reception suite.
- Internal Circulation: A glazed foyer organizes internal circulation and provides access to all floors and visitor amenities, ensuring smooth and efficient movement of attendees.
Function Rooms and Capacities
- Main Auditorium: With a capacity ranging from 1,100 to 7,200 people, this is the primary space for large-scale events.
- VIP Reception Suite: Designed for exclusive use, this suite offers a private area for VIP guests.
- Meeting Rooms: Although not explicitly listed, the venue’s comprehensive backstage facilities and staff refectories suggest that there are dedicated spaces for smaller meetings and conferences.
Services
- Natural Ventilation: The building’s distinctive cantilevered roof structure is designed to act as a wind scoop, channeling and intensifying natural airflow to ventilate the auditorium naturally, thereby reducing energy consumption.
- Radiant Cooling: The exposed concrete finishes are utilized as a radiant cooling surface, reducing the need for mechanical cooling systems.
- Shaded Foyer: The deep overhang of the roof canopy ensures that the glazed foyer is shaded from direct sunlight, providing a comfortable environment for attendees.
- Parking and Accessibility: The venue is linked to 1,200 car parking spaces and a pedestrian network that leads to other leisure and cultural facilities, as well as public transport connections, ensuring easy access for attendees.
The Zénith de Saint-Étienne is a versatile and well-equipped venue suitable for a wide range of events, from concerts and sporting events to business meetings and conferences. Its flexible design and comprehensive facilities make it an ideal choice for any event planner.