La Boîte Noire 2.0

The project aims to connect the four buildings, the four entities, to truly bring the site together. Thus, beyond the architectural form, all spaces are interconnected and linked (from the reception pavilion to the top floor of the museum, from the CIAV ovens to the auditorium control room). This work on infrastructure, networks, and logistics also took shape in the creation of the music hall, designed to be both autonomous and directly connected to the market hall. These two entities had to coexist and interact in a balanced way, without compromising the integrity and identity of the hall, while creating a strong identity for the hall, shared logistics, suitable service areas, etc. Thus, the SMAC’s double-sided, walk-through stage area can be used on both the hall and auditorium sides thanks to a double acoustic movable wall. When this wall is closed, the auditorium is a separate space and two events can take place simultaneously in the hall and the auditorium. When the wall is open, it is possible to host large-scale events (3,000 people standing for a concert, installations in both spaces, etc.). For the museum’s permanent and temporary exhibitions, it was necessary to provide a capable, high-quality infrastructure. The ceiling and floor are grid-patterned and dotted with points allowing for different hanging arrangements, different installations, and different connections to different networks.