The new Longchamp racecourse : flexible, innovative, polyvalent

The renovation and redesign of the Longchamp racecourse aimed to make it a flexible, innovative, and versatile venue, ensuring its continued significance in the Grand Paris and on the global stage of major racecourses. This ambitious project had a dual focus: on one hand, it sought to create an iconic architectural structure adaptable to future needs, and on the other, it aimed to enhance the surrounding landscape, emphasizing both the historical heritage of the racecourse and the natural beauty of the Bois de Boulogne, originally designed by Alphand in the 19th century.

The primary challenge was to host the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, an event drawing up to 60,000 spectators, while also accommodating smaller crowds on regular race days. To achieve this, the project involved the demolition of existing 1960s stands and their replacement with a single, more compact, and functional stand. Support service buildings scattered across the site were also to be demolished and replaced with pavilions, while the historic racecourse buildings were to undergo renovation.

The design of the new stand was envisioned to resemble a galloping horse, with a slight overhang that directed the stands toward the finish line. This design allowed spectators to have panoramic views of the racecourse, including privileged vantage points over the parade ring and the course itself. The architectural concept featured transparent "shelves" that provided unobstructed views, creating a sense of fluidity and connection with the landscape.

The architecture was characterized by simplicity and elegance, allowing light and the surrounding environment to pass through the buildings. Spectators remained in visual contact with the horses and professionals without direct physical contact, creating a unique and immersive racing experience.

The project aimed to integrate with nature, evoking the charm of garden parties, woodland strolls, and the Bagatelle gardens, while also ensuring comfort for all types of visitors. It was designed to be an environmentally friendly facility, incorporating innovative design elements and passive and active systems for renewable energy use to meet the city of Paris's climate goals.

In summary, the Longchamp racecourse renovation aimed to create a more natural, ecological, flexible, and pleasant venue, aligning with its historical and green heritage, while also fulfilling its role as a modern and sustainable racing facility. The project was completed in January 2018 and marked a significant milestone in the evolution of the racecourse.