The Beaujoire stadium celebrates this Wednesday, May 8 her 40th birthday, her emerald wedding anniversary in a way with Nantes. A rich history of international events (Euro 1984 in the wake of the inauguration, 1998 Football World Cup, two Rugby World Cups), and concerts too. Without obviously forgetting all the home matches of FC Nantes, which experienced so many emotions in its lair.
“A very good memory”
This unique work, considered ahead of its time in 1984, is largely due to Berdje Agopyan, a Parisian architect, also known for having participated in the design of the Parc des Princes in Paris. 40 years after the inauguration of Beaujoire, he remembers everything and shares his memories with us. Lengthy interview.
France Blue Loire Ocean : 40 years later, what do you remember about Beaujoire? Does this remain a good memory for you?
Berdje Agopyan : It’s even a very good memory. I say it all the time, and the explanation is very simple. When I do a project and no one calls me, it means there is no problem and everything is working fine. I was never called back for any problem at La Beaujoire.
At the time of the work, did you have any constraints to build the stadium?
Everything was done in a very short time. In just 16 months. 16 months, I don’t know if you realize. For comparison, it took me four years to design the Parc des Princes. We had to move quickly for Beaujoire with a lot of constraints. We could not work on the lawn which was already in place. The slightest centimeter error could have caused a disaster for the junctions between the concrete parts and the metal parts.
It wasn’t always easy to live with, but we did it, we succeeded. I was quite happy at the inauguration, although I also had some complaints at the time. I didn’t want to repeat the mistakes made for the Parc des Princes.
Were you there on inauguration day? May 8, 1984?
Of course, that too is a very good memory. With the feeling of work accomplished. What I wanted with this stadium was for the public to have a perfect view of the pitch regardless of their place in the stadium. At La Beaujoire, the place furthest from the pitch is 50 meters from the touchline. Without forgetting the acoustics and resonance of the stadium. It makes the place really special.
Speaking of acoustics, what exactly makes it so special?
Everything has been thought of for this. The shape of the interior volumes of the speaker has been designed precisely to create good resonance. We also thought about access for the disabled, who can enter the lower stands on one level. For other parts of the stands you only have four stairs. In case of emergency, you can get out to La Beaujoire in less than five minutes. Everyone can get in and out very easily. Nothing was left to chance.
“It hit me in the gut”
Let’s also talk about the aesthetics of the stadium and its curved shapes. Was it also a desire to do things differently at the time?
I wanted to create an aerial work in relation to the environment, and not a block. In nature, nothing is straight, everything is curved. A flower, a plant… We were inspired by that, it’s all a question of volume with this question of aesthetics. But what was sought above all (he insists on it), this is the functionality for spectators, staff and players.
40 years after its inauguration, have you already returned to La Beaujoire?
I went back there a few years ago. I attended a match. And I can assure you that it hit me in the gut when I entered the enclosure and saw the atmosphere. It hit me in the gut, and yet it was me who did it. There is an atmosphere in this stadium that there is not elsewhere. This is what several stadium regulars told me.
Would you like to come back to the stadium to watch a match?
Of course I would go back with pleasure. It is a well-designed work in my opinion, which has always pleased me and which is at the service of the public. Nantes, it’s still part of my life (smile). It’s a project that left its mark on me. I will come back with joy.
