Architecture

Theatre Populaire

Mário Valkovič
STU in Bratislava - Faculty of Civil Engineering, Department of Architecture
Slovakia

Project idea

Concept is based on use of basic geometric shapes, traditions and local building processes trying to compromise between available low lost and strong durable materials. Small buildings are arranged in 3 groups around the meeting points or a tree in the center. Shape of the amphitheatre resembles pattern of a traditional masks of local Mossi tribe used in ceremonies. Massive concrete walls encircling amphitheater from the back side creating triangular terraces are softened by greenery. There are restaurants, small stages and entrances to the theatre hidden inside these triangles. Lightweight roof over the main stage rests on the columns in the shape of a tree and serves as a protection from sun and rain. Curvature symbolizes movement.

Project description

I took the concept idealistically and demolished old theater (althought some parts could be left as they are in case the project was built). Reason behind this thinking is that there would not be good viewing angles for 18x15m stage. In the ideal circular shape all the people are facing stage directly and number of seats is almost doubled. This concept is to inspire local people and demonstrate incorporation of something they knew very well - local symbols and history - into architecture. Here, Green theater is literally green.

Technical information

Three storey building of the Theatre is made out of reinforeced concrete and its roof out of steel and translucent glass. Walls of small buildings are made out of weight-bearing reinforced concrete framing and locally produced laternite bricks. Double-layer roof consisting of heavy concrete slab and light metal sheet is connected by welded rebars usually used as reinforcement in concrete structures. This system is designed with consideration of locally accesible materials, low price, indoor comfort and durability.

Co-authors

Supervisor: Ing. arch. Pavol Paňák

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