Location: Rouen, France.

Architect: atelier d’architecture King Kong.

The Corneille Chapel, built in the 17th century in a baroque style, has been hosting high-level artistic events for many years. The Normandy Region wanted to modernize the building to meet contemporary requirements for concert comfort, with a focus on non-amplified music. This led to the creation of a true auditorium, with the main elements of public and artist reception integrated into the basement. This option not only solved the accessibility problem but also established an immediate dialogue between the historic monument and its contemporary purpose. The design features successive steps that follow the gentle curves of the terrain, leading to the public space. These mineral “flows” contribute to the chapel’s value by referencing baroque urban scenography. The good acoustics of the monument are enhanced by a series of subtle and effective devices, including a suspended sphere that reflects sound. This element contributes to both the scenography and the acoustics of the space.

Photo credit: Eric Peltier.