Roland Garros gets new greenhouse-flanked tennis court in controversial development
by Andrew Manns | 22 May 2019
French design practice Marc Mimram have completed a new tennis court for the Stade Roland Garros in Paris.
The 5,000-seat Court Simonne-Mathieu is flanked by four greenhouses to camouflage its bulk and ensure it blends in to the site, which is within the 120-year-old Serres d'Auteuil botanical gardens, adjacent to the main Roland Garros complex.
The facility is named after the eponymous female tennis champion.
According to the architects, Court Simonne-Mathieu was designed to create a "dialogue" between the earth and sky.
"Given its dual botany- and sports-aspects, this project could serve as a future reference for the relationship between high-level sports and the environment," they explained.
Financed by the French Tennis Federation, the project has been in the works for two years.
Court Simonne-Mathieu is set to host its first match when the French Open commences on Sunday 26 May.
Roland Garros Marc Mimram French Open Paris
The newly created greenhouses are part of a botanical project to explore the flora of America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. / Photo by Camille Gharbi
The Court Simonne-Mathieu is flanked by four conservatories. / Photo by Camille Gharbi
The stadium will host its first match on Sunday. / Photo by Camille Gharbi
The expansive campus is home to 500 species of plants. / Photo by Camille Gharbi
French Tennis Federation celebrates 'victory for justice and reason' as court backs Roland Garros revamp
UPDATE: French Tennis Federation 'outraged' following fresh Roland Garros development suspension
French design practice Marc Mimram have completed a new tennis court for the Stade Roland Garros in Paris. The 5,000-seat Court Simonne-Mathieu is flanked by four greenhouses to camouflage its bulk and ensure it blends in to the site, which is within the 120-year-old Serres d'Auteuil botanical gardens, adjacent to the main Roland Garros complex. The facility is named after the eponymous female tennis champion. The opening of the controversial
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