The objective of the design was to merge illusion and enchantment with the requirements of a regional theatre. Furthermore, the design focuses on the placement of the building in the urban location, whilst simultaneously providing architectural solutions for programming needs. The placing of the programmes within the building aims for efficient routing, whilst the design of the volumes makes use of the natural variations in the levels of the site. The building volume is rounded to ensure little wind flow disturbance to the nearby historic mill "Nooitgedacht".
Light and colour play an essential role in the experience of the theatre. During the day the lower glass portion of the facade enables daylight penetration directly from both the front of the theatre and from above, throwing daylight deep into the foyer. In the evening an inviting atmosphere is created through the use of both colour and artificial lighting. Above the glazed lower levels of the facade, the upper portion comprises two layers of aluminium. Glimpses of the purple coloured back layer can be seen through circular perforations in the outer white panels, with LED lights fitted between the two facade layers to light the building in the evenings.
The volumes of the two main performance spaces are oriented towards the foyer. From the foyer, a sculptural stairway forms the binding element towards the theatre rooms. The two main theatre spaces are positioned to receive the visitor flow directly from the foyer and the public square. The theatre café is located adjacent to the water, forming the linking element between the foyer and the public square.
Innovative use of DIM (Design Information Modelling) and BIM (Building Information Modelling) and the recent rapid development of the software used to control acoustics made it possible to optimise the sound quality within the auditoria.
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