residents decide between UNStudio and EHA for dutch theater

local residents decide between UNStudio and ector hoogstad for dutch theater project
(above) proposed design by UNStudio
all images courtesy of ‘s-hertogenbosch local council

in the netherlands, residents of ‘s-hertogenbosch are set to choose between two proposed designs for a new city center theater. from the original competition, two different schemes by UNStudio and ector hoogstad architecten have been selected by judges, and will now be voted on by local residents who will determine 50% of the final result. voting for local residents over the age of 12 is open until june 7th, 2015. construction is set to begin in 2017, with a public opening scheduled for 2020. read more on the two proposals below.

ector hoogstad architecten

ector hoogstad architecten has put forward plans for inviting brick theater with a color and texture similar to that of the neighboring cathedral. offering a ‘festive sparkle’, golden glazed bricks are interspersed within the design, while areas of semi-translucent glass are also employed across the façade.

ector hoogstad architecten – front view

through the main entrance visitors enter a foyer that can be assigned as desired for both large and small events. furthermore, a theatrical staircase to the first floor can also be used as an additional stage for small performances, or lectures prior to the main function. throughout the design, the oak floors are robust and low maintenance, while oak-paneled walls and ceilings provide a colorful atmosphere and identity. large windows offer natural light and views, while on the first floor guests can sit outside and enjoy the view of the parade from a large balcony.

ector hoogstad architecten – front view from parade

consideration was also given to the artists and employees of the theater. artists have a foyer on the third floor with a rooftop terrace surrounded by greenery. in the changing rooms and offices are small loggias and roof terraces for even more light, with all the backstage areas clearly and logically arranged. a number of facility rooms are housed in the basement, where delivery trucks can be unloaded without hindering the general public.

ector hoogstad architecten – view from bossche broek

ector hoogstad architecten – view from casinotuin

ector hoogstad architecten – view from triniteitstraat zuid-noord

ector hoogstad architecten – aerial view

ector hoogstad architecten – interior: streetside

ector hoogstad architecten – interior: foyer

ector hoogstad architecten – interior: large auditorium

ector hoogstad architecten – interior: upper level

UNStudio

UNStudio’s proposal is based on the relationships between the theater, the surrounding buildings and the adjacent public square. consequently, the building’s massing is visualized as four shifting cubes protruding above the treetops. in order to cause as little hindrance as possible to immediate neighbors, the two auditoriums are designed as enclosed volumes clad in natural stone, while the façades of the public spaces are constructed from glass, so that the theater building and the public square merge, allowing visitors to become part of the show.

UNStudio – front view

the main stairway with glass balustrades forms the heart of the vertical foyer, which extends over four levels and totals 19 meters in height. the volume housing the larger of the two auditoriums is partially sunken below ground, ensuring that the building remains low and that sightlines to the st. john’s cathedral are maintained. a terrace on the third floor offers visitors further views across the city.

UNStudio – front view from parade

the floor of the foyer runs level to the parade, enabling the theater to form a natural extension of the square. the floor of the main auditorium provides a natural buffer to noise hindrance for the immediate surroundings, while the smaller venue houses a flexible stage with retractable seating. during public events on the adjacent square, such as the traditional annual carnival, the doors to the café can be opened and the internal sliding wall moved, connecting the small auditorium with the public space and leading guests directly into the heart of the theater.

UNStudio – view from bossche broek

offices are located on the second and third floors, while the third storey also houses the VIP foyer, which enjoys views towards the cathedral. the logistics for the theater are carried out entirely underground by means of an innovative system that results in no inconvenience or interruption to the parade square. trucks load and unload in the cellar, while goods are transported internally via elevators. changing rooms and hospitality service spaces are also located in the basement.

UNStudio – view from casinotuin