teatro biobío: trio of architects design landmark theater for the city of concepción

in 2011, chile’s national council of culture and the arts initiated a public architectural competition for the design of a new theater in the city of concepción. from a total of 28 proposals, the project was eventually awarded to a trio of designers: smiljan radic, the internationally recognized architect who designed the 2014 serpentine pavilion, and frequent collaborators eduardo castillo and gabriela medrano.

image © cristobal palma / estudio palma

after seven years of design, planning, and construction, teatro biobío opened to the public in march 2018. named after the river that runs past the institution, the theater has been designed as an ‘urban lantern’ that, at night, glows from within. this effect is achieved as a result of the building’s cladding — a PTFE skin that also allows daylight to enter the interior spaces. during the day, the building appears as a solid object, while by night, it’s translucent appearance hints at the activity and events taking place inside.

image © cristobal palma / estudio palma

the building is supported by a relatively simple structure system where a strong concrete grid defines the six storeys and guards against potential earthquakes. the theater itself, which has now been open for more than a year, has already hosted a wide range of events — providing concepción and its citizens with a leading destination capable of hosting a variety of shows and performances. the project was nominated in the architecture category of the 2018 beazley designs of the year.

image © cristobal palma / estudio palma

image © cristobal palma / estudio palma

image © cristobal palma / estudio palma

image © cristobal palma / estudio palma

image © cristobal palma / estudio palma

image © cristobal palma / estudio palma

image © cristobal palma / estudio palma

image © cristobal palma / estudio palma

project info:

name: teatro biobío
location: concepción, chile
architects: smiljan radic, eduardo castillo, gabriela medrano
completion date: 2018
photography: cristobal palma / estudio palma