CO’Met Arena Congress and Convention Center: A Landmark of Architecture, Sports, and Sustainability in Orléans

CO’Met Arena in Orléans is a 52,000 m² convention and cultural landmark completed in 2023 by Ferrier Marchetti Studio, Chaix & Morel et Associés, and POPULOUS. Supported by TER’s landscape design, BOA’s lighting, and Peutz’s acoustic expertise, it blends architecture and technology to host diverse events.

A New Gateway to Orléans

The CO’Met Arena Congress and Convention Center represents a bold architectural statement for the city of Orléans. Designed by Ferrier Marchetti Studio, Chaix & Morel et Associés, and POPULOUS, the project brings together three distinct yet interconnected programs:

• A 10,000-seat arena
• A state-of-the-art convention center
• A flexible exhibition hall

Located at the southern entrance to Orléans, CO’Met creates a powerful multifunctional hub for sports, culture, and international events, reshaping the metropolitan identity of the city.

Architectural Concept: Lightness and Fluidity

The design draws inspiration from the Loire River banks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fluid, undulating façade wraps the arena and extends across the entire complex, creating a soft, wave-like architectural envelope.

• By day, the curves of the façade reflect natural light and changing skies, creating a constantly renewed perception.
• By night, subtle illumination transforms the complex into a dynamic landmark, visible from the city and beyond.

The façade’s transparency allows silhouettes, depths, and layered perspectives, ensuring the building never feels static or monotonous.

Dialogue Between City and Nature

The main entrance canopy acts as a connective threshold, linking the tramway forecourt with the Bois des Montées, a preserved forest integrated into the site. Visitors experience a harmonious relationship between urban infrastructure and natural landscape, reinforcing Orléans’ cultural and ecological values.

Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

CO’Met is recognized as France’s most energy-efficient sports facility. Its sustainability features include:

• Geothermal energy systems for heating and cooling
• Lightweight façade design to reduce material consumption
• Exposed concrete interiors that minimize resource use and create a raw, timeless aesthetic
• Directly integrated signage applied to walls, avoiding excess finishes

This approach demonstrates frugality in construction and emphasizes efficiency throughout the building’s lifecycle.

Multi-Functionality for Continuous Use

The design team prioritized adaptability and long-term value. Instead of mono-functional architecture, CO’Met supports a variety of programs:

• The arena can be reconfigured for basketball games, concerts, conferences, or exhibitions.
• The convention center flows seamlessly into both the arena and exhibition halls, enabling different configurations.
• Spaces can be combined or separated, maximizing year-round utility and community engagement.

This versatility ensures that the facility remains active, relevant, and efficient well into the future.

Interior Experience

Inside, the structural concrete framework is left exposed, celebrating material honesty while reducing unnecessary finishes. The result is a minimalist yet powerful atmosphere, perfectly suited for large-scale events.

• Wide, open halls create a sense of grandeur.
• Natural light and transparency reinforce openness and flexibility.
• Integrated signage enhances user navigation without compromising architectural purity.

The CO’Met Arena Congress and Convention Center is more than just a sports venue—it is a cultural and architectural catalyst for Orléans. With its fluid design, environmental innovation, and multifunctional spaces, it redefines how large public facilities can serve communities.

As a new symbol on the Loire’s edge, CO’Met stands as a landmark of sustainable architecture, seamlessly blending city, nature, and culture into one transformative destination.

All photographs are works of Luc Boelgy