Modern sports architecture for regional identity

In Quimper, France, the athletics facility at the Cité sportive de Penvillers has undergone extensive modernisation. The project forms part of the redevelopment of the entire sports complex in the Kerfeunteun district and represents a key component of the region’s sporting infrastructure. The aim of the project was to create a modern athletics facility with a high-performance track that meets the demands of both daily training and regional and national competitions.

As part of the refurbishment, a Rekortan M athletics track featuring SMART technology was installed. The construction works and installation of the synthetic track were carried out by our partner, Pigeon TP.

Rekortan M is a genuine high-speed synthetic surface for athletics tracks, developed specifically for top-level sporting performance. The combination of an elastic base layer and a solid construction not only ensures high speeds but also provides optimal conditions for performance-oriented athletes.

In addition, SMART technology has been integrated into selected areas of the facility. It is located in the two inner lanes of the circular track, on lanes 5 and 6 of the 100-metre straight, and on one lane of the long jump run-up. The technology enables the digital recording of training performance and opens up new possibilities for athletes to analyse and optimise their performance.

A particular design highlight of this athletics track is the colour scheme, which combines two shades of blue. The main surface of the track has been finished in Capri Blue, whilst Sky Blue has been used as an accent colour. This differentiation not only serves a design purpose but also aids orientation within the facility. For example, the areas for the various throwing disciplines are highlighted in colour, creating a clear visual distinction between the functional zones.

The facility also offers a striking aerial view: the circular track appears in Capri Blue, whilst the two straight sections feature the lettering ‘Kemper’ and ‘Quimper’, integrated into the surface in Sky Blue.

The inspiration for this design lies in the regional culture of Brittany. The town traditionally bears two names: alongside the French name Quimper, there is also the Breton name Kemper. The name Kemper means ‘confluence’ and refers to the town’s geographical location at the meeting point of the rivers Odet and Steïr.

The integration of both names into the design of the running track thus combines regional identity with modern sports architecture. An interesting cultural aspect is that in many towns in Brittany, Breton place names are increasingly being reintroduced in public spaces to highlight regional language and tradition. The design of the athletics track in Quimper reflects this trend in a distinctive way.

With the new facility, the Cité sportive de Penvillers now offers a modern, high-performance athletics infrastructure for both clubs – such as Quimper Athlétisme – and nearby schools, providing optimal conditions for training, school sports and competitions.

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