La Source Vive: A New Concert Hall in Evian Designed for Perfect Acoustics

In the woods above Evian, France, a new concert hall named La Source Vive has opened, designed by architects Patrick Bouchain and Philippe Chiambaretta. The 500-seat venue, shaped like a horse's hoof, is dedicated to chamber music and recordings. It complements the existing 1,000-seat La Grange au Lac, built in 1993. The project was commissioned by philanthropist Aline Foriel-Destezet, who hired Bouchain after being charmed by his earlier work. Bouchain partnered with Chiambaretta's firm PCA-Stream, known for its scientific approach. The design prioritized acoustics, with input from violinist Renaud Capuçon, who requested a 'warm and silky' sound. Acoustic consultant Albert Xu, who died at 89 as construction began, was also key. The team used a 3D digital model to simulate sound, achieving a reverberation time of 1.8 seconds. The building features a hybrid shoebox-vineyard shape, plaster walls with squiggly lines for optimal reverberation, and an oculus with adjustable acoustic panels. Seats are made from rejected fashion-house leather. The venue hosted a concert for G7 leaders in mid-June and officially opened on June 24 with a quartet including Capuçon and Yo-Yo Ma, who performed Brahms and Schumann. The complex, named Les Mélèzes after surrounding larch trees, includes a new foyer referencing a Novarina-Prouvé building.