Located in a new cultural hot spot of South Rotterdam, this new theatre building replaces an adjacent existing structure dating from 1953. Housing two auditoriums, a café/restaurant and a branch of the Rotterdam Library, the new design by Architects De Zwarte Hond in collaboration with BURO M2R offers a wide range of activities from languages to digital skills and offers a place for locals to meet. The existing structure will be demolished in a circular way.
With approximately 12,500 m2 of floor area, the exterior volume of the theatre is clear and compact, appearing enclosed and intimate with its sturdy masonry façade accented by distinctive vertical niches.
By contrast, a semi-transparent anodised aluminium veil drapes delicately over the entrance. By day, the semi-open façade exhibits a beautiful play of light inside, and by night, the façade illuminates from within to highlight the inviting entrance.
A high lobby greets visitors to the building and serves as a stage for popular activities such as children’s performances and other community-focused events. The interior largely reflects the exterior architecture with the transparency and curved form of the aluminium voile reflected in various interior elements. Steel furniture and paneling give a bold look, while the red upholstery and floors give the distinctive essence of a theatre.
The 600-seat main auditorium designed by Studio RAP has two distinctive features. Firstly, and most immediately apparent are the vibrant red acoustic walls crafted from 6,000 different triangular aluminium composite panels. Algorithms calculated the positioning of the triangular panels to create excellent acoustics in the theatre while at the same time minimizing the need for soundproofing materials.
In addition to the bold walls, the auditorium adapts with ease to standing concerts. In most cases, a sliding tribune – which often has less comfortable seating – would be removed to make space for a standing event. Here, the stage can be easily converted into a multipurpose space accommodating 1,000 dancing or standing visitors. This means more comfortable fixed seating can be installed in the auditorium.
