THEATRE POPULAIRE- atypical form, typical patterns.

Gdańsk Technical University (Politechnika Gdańska), Faculty of Architecture, Gdańsk

Project idea

When creating this project, our main goal was to form a space that defines the specific character of the place. We wanted to reflect the spirit of local culture and tradition by using colourful patterns and interesting forms, typical for Burkina Faso.
The concept of the project is to create open spaces that allow for good indoor airflow. This is crucial because of the high temperatures in this place throughout the year. The form of the project is based on the directions set by the existing audience. Inside the created grid, there are modules, which perform individual functions. They are connected by one common roof, which provides enough shade for the people using the facility.
For economic and environmental reasons, for the construction of our project we chose ecological materials, produced in the nearest location, such as wood, reed and fabrics. The roof also has the function of collecting rainwater, which, with the use of pillars, will go into the retention tank.

Project description

In our project, we have divided the area into three zones in accordance with the given guidelines. The LABO zone is located in the southern part of the plot, near the entrance to the facility. This is where all the rooms related to creativity were placed: dance space, theater space, co-working etc. This zone will be used mainly by various types of artists and people who want to gain new skills or create something.

The SHOW zone covers the central part of the plot. There are all rooms needed to service guests visiting the facility. This is where you can buy tickets, get information from temporary exhibitions, etc.

The WORK zone is a newly built base with a stage and an existing auditorium. There are all rooms needed to support the stage and creative work related to public performances. There is also an open terrace with acces to the open air. Truck access is provided on the west side of the plot. From the north there is also an additional entrance leading to the garage parking lot.

Technical information

While creating the project we wanted to use the materials easily accessible and possibile to be made by the local craftsmen. The external walls are made of locally produced mud bricks, which have very good thermal insulation parameters. In addition, the building is covered with a large roof, which provides shade and free air flow, so there will be no need for additional mechanical ventilation in the buildings. The roof structure is designed as wooden. Jute is hung on the poles, giving shelter from the sun. The roof also has the function of collecting rainwater, which, through the poles, will go to underground tanks. The recovered water can be used for vegetation care or cooling the object.