Theater Agora in The Netherlands by UNStudio

Article source: UNStudio

The design for the new theater in Lelystad is part of the Master plan for the city center of Lelystad, designed by West 8. The theater plays an important role during the day as well as during the night in this area of the city. The clustering of cultural and social activities in this new quarter will give Lelystad an outspoken cultural face.

Exterior View (Images Courtesy Christian Richters)

• Architect: UNStudio
• Name of Project: Theater Agora
• Location: Lelystad, the Netherlands
• Time Period: 2002- 2007
• Client: Municipality of Lelystad
• Program: Theater with two halls and a multifunctional space, restaurant and bar
• Photos credit: Christian Richters and Iwan Baan

Exterior View (Images Courtesy Christian Richters)

• Team: Ben van Berkel with Gerard Loozekoot, Jacques van Wijk and Job Mouwen, Holger Hoffmann, Khoi Tran, Christian Veddeler, Christian Bergmann, Sabine Habicht, Ramon Hernandez, Ron Roos, Rene Wysk, Claudia Dorner, Markus Berger, Markus Jacobi, Ken Okonkwo, Jorgen Grahl-Madsen
• Executive architect: B+M, Den Haag
• Theatre technique: Prinssen en Bus Raadgevende Ingenieurs, Uden
• Engineering: Pieters Bouwtechniek, Almere
• Acoustics/Fire strategy: DGMR, Arnhem
• Building surface: 5890m2 bvo
• Seats: Large theater hall: 725
• Small theater hall: 200
• Volume:30.000m³
• Building site: 2.925 m² and expedition area

Interior View (Images Courtesy Christian Richters)

In this context the design for the theater forms an important orientation point with a forthright architectural look. Walking from the central station the theater-tower forms a striking accent in the diagonal view. At night the volume illuminates, and is easily traceable from the different parking facilities.

Interior View (Images Courtesy Christian Richters)

In daytime the shape of the theater has a sculptural effect. The grand cafe, also open during the day, connects to the evening square. From the different lobbies of the entrance of the theater a beautiful view of the Green Care is presented. The vertical foyer, which swings through the entire building, connects different theater and congress halls on the different floors.

Interior View (Images Courtesy Iwan Baan)

The typology of the theater has become more and more complex during the years. UN Studio strived to bring the complexity of a multifunctional theater back into a flexible, transparent and intelligent design. The clear and open organization of the design will serve as a cultural icon for Lelystad.

Interior View (Images Courtesy Iwan Baan)

UN Studio has worked on different projects where theater art and new media were important aspects in the program. The interaction between different art disciplines should be integrated in the design process of these buildings. UN Studio’s expertise lies in the analytical approach of the design requirements. During the research process, before the design process, questions regarding special organization and the multifunctional use of the theater obtain an important role.

Concept

Diamant structure

Facade

Transition in out

Tags: Lelystad, The Netherlands

Category: Theater

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