The French government approached GL Events, a leading global event management company, and Wilmotte & Associés, a renowned architectural firm, with the need to create a unique demountable space with two major constraints: the work could not overshadow the iconic buildings surrounding it and it had to blend aesthetically into its surroundings.
Wilmotte's approach brought the original Grand Palais closer to the ephemeral by means of the shape, its characteristic cross. On the other hand, for the materials, the range of options was narrow and was conditioned by the requirement to dismantle the work a posteriori. The envelope had initially been configured with polycarbonate and metal panels, materials that did not meet the construction schedule. This led them to embark on a search for alternative solutions, turning to IASO as experts in textile architecture to advise with the design.
The Lleida-based company already had previous experience working with Wilmotte, having developed major projects such as the transparent roof and façade of the Allianz Riviera (Nice 2013), and with GL Events for the ephemeral roof of COP22 (Marrakech 2016). This, in addition to an extensive portfolio of works with ETFE and PES-PVC, earned him the award of the Grand Palais Éphémère.
It is at this stage that IASO suggests the implementation of textile membranes for the façade and roof, which would reduce installation times and facilitate subsequent dismantling, providing aesthetic value without sacrificing technical performance. The incorporation of different types of textile membranes is then approved: ETFE for the longitudinal facades, white PES-PVC for the roof, PES-PVC grid for the transversal sides and STFE to cover the lateral lattices, thus reaching an area of more than 15,000 m². A novel system that also meets the strict criteria for textile constructions in France, with two favourable ATEX (Appréciation Technique Expérimentale).
The project's own needs implied a very tight execution time under normal conditions. From the outset, a timetable was set for the building to be operational at the beginning of 2021, which meant that the roof and façade had to be installed in less than 4 months (from September to December).
All the planning suffered a major setback when, at the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were in force. A very complex situation forced all parties to reorganise their schedules. Delivery deadlines remained unchanged and the customer's requirements remained the same, so new solutions had to be found to meet the deadlines.
In December 2020, after installation in record time and impeccable organisation by all parties involved, the textile envelope of the Grand Palais Éphémère was successfully completed.
Ephemeral architecture, by its nature, must be highly adaptable to suit a wide range of uses in changing contexts. The Grand Palais Éphémère was designed with this versatility in mind, allowing it to be transformed to host everything from Tatami competitions to international summits. Located in the heart of Paris, this project not only took advantage of its strategic position for cultural and sporting events, but also emphasised the need for spaces that could dynamically adjust to different functions. The structure was designed to be dismantled and potentially reused or relocated, highlighting a conscious approach to environmental impact.
Sustainability was a fundamental pillar in the design of the Grand Palais Éphémère. From the choice of recyclable or lightweight materials to the detailed planning of its life cycle, every aspect of the project was carefully considered to minimise its environmental impact. The ability to completely dismantle the building ensures that, after use, all components can be recycled or reused, setting an exemplary model for future temporary architecture initiatives in terms of ecological responsibility.
The frame of the structure is composed mainly of timber, while the envelope, made of ETFE and PES-PVC, considerably reduces the weight of the construction, minimising its environmental impact.
Broadening the perspectives of urban planning
The success of the Grand Palais Éphémère offers valuable lessons on the integration of temporary structures into the urban landscape. This project demonstrates that textile architecture can be an effective tool, not only to respond to immediate challenges but also to complement long-term sustainable development strategies and environmental respect, while maintaining the performance of a permanent building, both in terms of comfort and infrastructure quality. As cities face space and growth challenges, the practices implemented in this project can serve as a reference for future urban initiatives.
The Grand Palais Éphémère is a testament to how contemporary architecture can respond to the urgent needs of a city while maintaining a commitment to aesthetics, functionality and sustainability. This project not only fulfils its temporary purpose, but also lays the groundwork for future innovations in the field of ephemeral architecture, demonstrating that it is possible to improve urban quality of life and cultural resilience through dynamic and sustainable architectural solutions.
