Reims Polar 2026: Forbo Flooring on stage

A structuring event for the cultural sector

From March 31 to April 5, 2026, the city of Reims will host a new edition of Reims Polar, a festival dedicated to crime films. Inheriting from an event created in 1982 and subsequently held in Cognac and then Beaune, the festival has now become a permanent fixture in the local cultural scene.

The program includes nearly fifty films, previews, and professional meetings. This level of attendance results in significant audience flows , requiring appropriate infrastructure improvements in terms of traffic flow and the long-term sustainability of the facilities.

The competition is chaired by Emmanuelle Devos, surrounded by a jury from contemporary cinema, confirming the international positioning of the event.

Event flooring and usage constraints

In this context, Forbo Flooring's intervention stems from a logic of technical scenography applied to the interior envelope of temporary spaces . Each site presents specific constraints, particularly in terms of traffic, maintenance, and visual appearance.

Place d'Erlon: structuring an outdoor space

In Place d'Erlon, a black Showtime needle-punched textile covering spans over 100 m² for the photo booth. This type of flooring was chosen for its mechanical resistance and its ability to maintain a uniform appearance despite repeated foot traffic.

This implementation helps to structure the media space, while facilitating the logistics of welcoming teams and journalists.

Operaims: technical performance in an indoor environment

At Opéraims, the projection and circulation areas are equipped with Flotex flocked flooring with custom printing. This material is distinguished by its wear resistance and acoustic comfort , two essential criteria in venues that receive the public for several days.

A flocked floor is a dense textile covering combining nylon fibers and a PVC backing, offering ease of maintenance comparable to a hard floor.

Restaurants and social spaces

At Chez Odette restaurant, a custom Coral mat has been installed. This type of product acts as a cleanliness barrier , limiting the amount of dirt entering the interior spaces.

The use is common in public access buildings (ERP), in accordance with the maintenance and safety requirements defined by the regulations.

A business-oriented approach integrating standards and practices

The installation of these floor coverings is subject to specific regulations, particularly regarding fire classification (EN 13501-1 standard) and slip resistance. These criteria are essential to guarantee user safety in high-traffic environments.

Implementation requires the coordinated intervention of several actors:

• design office for defining technical constraints
• project manager for the coordination of the installations
• specialized installation teams to ensure compliance

A concrete example: in high-traffic areas such as hall entrances, choosing flocked flooring reduces premature wear and tear, while improving walking comfort.

A technical solution tailored to event management

The completed installations illustrate the adaptation of construction systems to temporary but intensive uses. The coverings must be quick to install, removable and durable , while maintaining a consistent aesthetic quality.

“Partnering with Reims Polar fully illustrates Forbo Flooring’s ability to operate in demanding event environments, where every detail counts.”

"Our solutions combine performance, design and user experience, serving venues that welcome diverse and large audiences."

"It's a real source of pride to support a cultural event that brings our region to life."

These remarks reflect an operational reality: in event planning, the floor becomes a functional and scenographic element , contributing to the overall experience.

One limitation remains, however: these solutions, although efficient, require significant logistical planning , particularly for customization and installation times.

An integration between technology and visual identity

Through these improvements, the surfaces contribute to the festival's identity. Custom printing and the choice of materials ensure visual continuity between the different venues.

This approach illustrates the evolution of the role of materials in building: beyond the technical function, they contribute to the enhancement of places and uses.

In a demanding event context, the quality of implementation and the suitability to field constraints remain crucial to guaranteeing the durability and safety of the installations.