IRCAM Rehabilitation of the Projection Space

The Institute for Research and Coordination in Acoustics and Music (IRCAM), founded by Pierre Boulez in 1970 and associated with the Centre Pompidou under the Ministry of Culture, is one of the largest public research centers in the world. It is not only a place for music research but also for musical creation, education, and technological innovation. The building, designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, was constructed starting in 1978.

IRCAM features an exceptional room with variable acoustics called ESPRO, which includes movable walls and ceilings allowing for the modification of the volume and, consequently, the acoustics of the space. The materials of these elements consist of three-sided prismatic modules (absorbent, reflective, and diffusive) called periakts, which also modify the acoustics of the room. This projection space serves as a concert hall, recording studio, and research laboratory

The project focuses on ESPRO, housed in Building A, an entirely underground structure with an area of approximately 3500 m2, located beneath the current Niki de Saint-Phalle and Jean Tinguely fountain at Igor Stravinsky Square.

The objectives of the operation were:

• Asbestos removal from ESPRO, which required the dismantling of all periakts
• Bringing it into compliance and renovating the stage equipment
• Integrating a digital control system for its equipment.

The work was carried out with the aim of preserving the original acoustic characteristics and architectural design, as well as the desire to maintain IRCAM’s activities while minimizing disturbances and pollution.

Team:

Lead Architect and Scenographer: Clé Millet

Argénium: (Asbestos Removal Engineering)

Némo-K: (Structural Engineering)

altia: (Acoustic Engineer)

GNPS: (Security and Safety Engineering)

P.B.P: (Project Management)

Accéo: (Accessibility Consulting)

Eppy: (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Engineering)