teatro borsoni unfolds sculptural geometric facade along square in northern italy

ARW teams up with Brescia Infrastrutture on Teatro Borsoni

Teatro Borsoni’s central intervention by ARW Associates and Brescia Infrastrutture plays a pivotal role in the redevelopment of Via Milano in Brescia, Italy, as part of the ‘Oltre la strada’ project. This initiative seeks to transform the area’s industrial legacy into a vibrant cultural hub, anchoring a zone in flux with numerous enhancement projects underway. Set back from the street, the theater creates a ‘civic churchyard’ paved with granite, complemented by a tree-lined square on its eastern side, adjacent to a residential neighborhood. The square features distinctive ventilation chimneys and the mirrored volume of the southern plant room. Redefining the surrounding public space is as integral to the project’s success as the architectural value of the theater itself.

Designed as ‘civic architecture,’ the theater functions as a cultural condenser. Its parallelepiped form is characterized by giant rusticated concrete and an aluminum-loggia facade carved into the north side facing Via Milano, where the main entrance is located. A continuous glass wall connects the foyer to the square, underscoring the theater’s openness to the city. The stage level extends into a fly tower clad in polycarbonate panels, illuminating from within at night, creating a striking visual presence.

all images by ©Federico Covre

Teatro Borsoni Revitalizes Brescia’s Industrial Legacy

Teatro Borsoni designed by the collaborative team of ARW Associates and Brescia Infrastrutture, offers diverse spaces for all age groups, including communal areas, a bar-foyer overlooking the square, and a large performance hall with an elevated stage connected to dressing rooms and storage. The interior features wooden acoustic panels in the halls, contrasted with dark grey plaster and resin floors, while communal spaces are enriched with light grey tones, wood, and aluminum accents for staircases, railings, and reception counters. An ‘orange path’ connects the foyer to the children’s room, signifying its dedicated function.

The theater comprises two performance halls, both accessible from the first floor. The main hall seats 312 and features three aisles—central and lateral—linked to emergency exits. Wooden walls, illuminated by LED strips, and a carefully designed ceiling ensure optimal sound amplification. The elevated wooden stage includes a hollow underside to enhance voice resonance. The children’s hall, with a capacity of 169, offers a wooden floor that extends to the stage area for informal seating. Unlike the main hall, it does not include a fly tower, emphasizing its playful and intimate design. Teatro Borsoni, more than an architectural structure, transforms a historically industrial area into a thriving cultural beacon, revitalizing the community and embodying a vision of progress for both present and future generations.

Teatro Borsoni’s intervention is part of the redevelopment of Via Milano in Brescia, Italy

the fly tower, clad in polycarbonate panels, lights up at night, creating a dramatic visual effect

the building’s parallelepiped form is made striking with rusticated concrete and an aluminum-loggia facade

the theater is strategically set back from the street, creating a unique civic space

Teatro Borsoni is designed as ‘civic architecture,’ blending culture with the city’s fabric

the theater offers diverse spaces, including communal areas overlooking the square

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interior features include wooden acoustic panels, dark grey plaster, and resin floors

 

 

 

 

 

project info:

name: Teatro Borsoni
architects: ARW Associates | @arw_associates + Brescia Infrastrutture

location: Brescia, Italy

lead architects: Botticini+Facchinelli, Gianpiero Ribolla

client: Brescia Municipality
total area: approx. 7.000 sqm
built area: approx. 3.500 sqm
assistance: Arch. Gianluigi Barucco, Arch. Laura Treccani
design, coordination, and technical direction: Arch. Camillo Botticini (Botticini+Facchinelli ARW)
in collaboration with: Brescia infrastrutture srl, Resp. Eng. Alberto Merlini
project leader: Arch. Paola Daleffe (Brescia infrastrutture srl)
design team: Arch. Stefano Bordoli, Arch. Paolo Livi, Eng. Massimo Torquati (Brescia infrastrutture srl)
structural consultants: Eng. Alessandro Gasparini
consultants for ITF and electrical design: Eng. Andrea Andreis, Fabio Bolzoni
acoustic consultant: Arch. Eleonora Strada
direction: Arch. Camillo Botticini (Botticini+Facchinelli ARW)
general direction: GAP PROGETTI SRL, Eng. Silvia Foini
technical supervision of plant systems: Eng. Fabio Zenocchini (Sigma Project Engineering S.R.L.)
construction company: Sabino Dicataldo
stagecraft: Eng. Giorgio Molinari
final acoustic design: Eng. Emanuele Morlini
stage machine: Molpass srl
mobile furniture design: Arch. Alice Dodesini (DODiCI Architettura)
graphics: Glifo soc. coop.

photography: Federico Covre | @Federico.Covre

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom