Design and Construction of the Temporary Convention Center in Nice

Temporary building - Nice Côte d'Azur Metropolis

In response to the urgent need to replace the Acropolis Convention Center, the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis entrusted GL events with the design and construction of a temporary convention center, set to host major international events from June 2025, beginning with the UNOC 3 – United Nations Ocean Conference.

Located on the port of Nice, this 7,000 m² convention center combines innovation, modularity and high-tech. It includes three complementary buildings: a 3,825 m² CELESTE structure (45 x 85 m), which is multifunctional and free of interior posts, and two double-deck QWAD structures totaling 3,200 m², complete with accessible rooftop terraces. All facilities are designed to meet the highest ERP safety and accessibility standards.

Though conceived as a temporary solution, the project has been designed for longevity. After UNOC, the buildings will be repurposed by the ferry terminal and the Nice Metropolitan Tourism Office to host concerts, exhibitions, seminars, and other cultural events.

The design of the temporary convention center in Nice posed a significant engineering challenge, requiring the perfect balance of rapid execution, strict regulatory compliance, and high environmental ambitions. The core objective was to transform temporary event structures into a semi-permanent ERP-compliant facility, capable of hosting a major international event such as the UNOC 3. An extremely tight construction schedule—just four months—demanded meticulous coordination and innovative technical solutions to ensure on-time delivery without compromising safety, quality, or building functionality.

To meet these demands, our teams reinforced the foundations and flooring systems, and engineered the main 3,825 m² structure to comply with Level 4 seismic standards specific to the coastal Nice region. Advanced acoustic treatments and high-performance thermal insulation were also integrated to ensure both user comfort and compliance with Eurocode regulations.

Sustainability was at the heart of the project. GL events opted for responsible materials, 55% of which came from reuse, significantly reducing the project’s carbon footprint. The building features solar panels and a timber exterior envelope, offering both waterproofing and architectural appeal. Every component was designed with reuse in mind: following the initial event, the buildings will be repurposed by the ferry terminal and the Nice Metropolitan Tourism Office for cultural and professional events.

To meet the tight deadline, every decision prioritized construction efficiency: optimized earthworks, a 3,825 m² main roof lifted mechanically in minutes, prefabricated modules assembled on-site for the two double-deck buildings (each with a 1,600 m² footprint), freestanding staircases, and ready-to-install sanitary blocks. Two elevators were also incorporated to ensure accessibility for people with reduced mobility (PRM).

This project exemplifies GL events’ ability to combine industrial expertise with event-driven adaptability, through an innovative and future-ready approach.