Set in a square plan with a pyramidal ceiling, a 22-meter in diameter chandelier lines up in the curved wake of the tiers of the hemicycle. A scenic curtain unfurls from one of the monumental object’s concentric circles of light, creating a play of transparencies in a dialogue between materials and light.

The aerial suspension holding the overall set is the work of meticulous metalwork: the riveted aluminium boxes form their exact curvature. The fabric that descends from it, with its acoustic properties, veils and reveals the space as it is used, making it sometimes hushed, sometimes solemn. Its light, silky appearance contrasts with the mineral ensemble, while its light colour matches the white concrete of the work by Maurice Calka (winner of the Grand Prix de Rome in 1950). The sculptor’s bas-relief on the walls and ceiling reveals garlands of flowers and mineral crystals. The sober, straight drape of the curtain responds to this abundant nature in motion. To support the metal structure that holds both the long ribbons of light and the curtain rails, the fixings are discreetly positioned diagonally across the edges of the ceiling to enhance the immense aesthetic and heritage décor. The custom-made  extruded metal profiles fit the existing shapes of the hemicycle. Where these lines of force meet, the chandelier appears to float above the void.

The priority given to materials and lines, shared with Atelier Delalande Tabourin (ADT), is combined with an ethical concern to source materials and craftsmanship  as locally as possible.

Client : Région Centre-Val de Loire; Architecte : ADT – Atelier Delalande Tabourin; Scenographer : Paf atelier; Design, production : Atelier blam; Place : Orléans; Date : 2023

photos ©Maxime Delvaux