Comédie-Française Unlocks Hidden Dome Space

While audiences admire the restored auditorium, a significant change lies just above.

La Comédie-Française Theatre Design | Case Studies

The theatre's newly-optimised dome sits above the Salle Richelieu and houses the HVAC units.

A hidden change with a noticeable impact

There was one special feature of the theatre that needed custom, acoustic restoration. Hidden from the public, the dome is one of the classic, historical features of the theatre. Its restoration revealed a new versatile space that was acoustically insulated from the theater below.

The dome, once used to house HVAC systems, was now reimagined into a functional space. By reorganising the equipment, architects revealed 250 square metres that could be utilised, preserving the historic iron structure created by Julien Gadet in 1900 and reclaiming valuable space.

To put the newly-discovered space to use, it was essential that aesthetic and acoustic standards were met. The ceiling solution Rockfon Mono Acoustic was installed throughout the curved structure, complementing the historic architecture with a monolithic ceiling that delivers superior sound absorption. The result is an acoustically-insulated space from the theatre below, offering versatile use without compromising historic integrity.

Project info

Project name

La Comédie-Française Theatre

Client

La Comedie Francaise

Location

Paris, France

Architecture

Agence Brossy & Associés

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Products used

Rockfon® Mono Acoustic

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“Rockfon Mono Acoustic was installed throughout the curved dome, preserving it entirely. It is now a splendid and functional space, insulated acoustically from the theatre below.”

Stéphane Delaby

— Architect, Agence Brossy & Associés

Rockfon Mono Acoustic integrates into the dramatic vaulted curves of the dome.

The exposed wrought iron adds historic character to the newly renovated space.

The HVAC systems were reorganised to allow for the change.

The theatre reopened after 12 months of renovation.

Reclaiming the volume of the dome

“By reducing the space allocated to technical equipment, we reclaimed half the volume of the dome and highlighted the wrought iron structure created by Julien Gadet in 1900”, explained project architect Stéphane Delaby of Agence Brossy & Associés. The installation of Rockfon Mono Acoustic not only retained the theatre's historical features, but also meets modern acoustic requirements.