The Project

We created a wide, retractable stand in an unusual shape to fit a newly constructed, modern lobby. The seats fold and unfold very Quickly to enable the room layout to be changed frequently.

The Venue

Opened in January 2020, La Barroise is a newly constructed, multipurpose hall for the Meuse Grand Sud Urban Community. It was designed to be reliable to host a wide variety of events Including concerts, exhibitions, galas and sports in response to local demand for thesis kind of facilities.

The Challenge

The unusual shape of the hall called for a bespoke seating system in three sections, with the middle section designed to taper towards the front to fit the way the room narrows. For maximum flexibility each section had to be able to open individually anywhere within the room.

The speed in which the seats themselves fold and unfold was also a key criterion, so that the configuration could be changed very quickly and easily.

The stand also had side curtains which had to be taken into consideration when closing the stand.

Finally, the movement and rotation of the stand was a major factor as it was important not to damage the delicate gutter covers on the floor.

The Result

We created a bespoke, 53 ton stand which seats 800 people when fully extended or 640 when partially extended to leave additional standing room at the front. It consists of three individual blocks which fit together to mirror the shape of the hall; each one can also be opened at any chosen point within the rooms using our anchoring pads, a solution that provides maximum flexibility.

The telescopic side curtains stack neatly when the stand is closed, and it can be moved by just two people using our innovative Eureka system, which allows it to rotate fully on wheels without leaving the ground, which avoids damage to the gutter covers.

The seats fold down, with gas spring assistance, at the speed of around one second per seat, and fold up at two seconds per seat, taking less than 10 minutes for two people to unfold 300 seats. The rapid speed means that comfortable, individual seats could be provided without compromising on efficiency.

Highlight

“This telescopic seating system is ideal for our multipurpose venue. The after sales service is very efficient and the team is attentive to our needs.”

Quentin Toussaint

Technical Manager for LA BARROISE (Bar le Duc)