Spectator – The theatre of collective expression

Objet du projet
Lavoro di Master
Lieu
St. Jakob Basel
Étudiants
Signora Rapaná Paola
Encadrement
Prof. Walter Angonese
Haute école/Université
USI Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio
Semestre
Semestre primaverile 2024
Spécialisation
Architettura

Description of the design master plan

On the border between Basel Stadt and Basel Land lies the St. Jakob district characterized by historic buildings from the 17th century, the presence of a social theatre and a 17th century tower used in its time as a water storage pump for the medieval St. Albanteich canal. The intention to create a new theatre in this district starts from the fundamental role that theatre has played in human history and social evolution. The project aims to integrate the theatre into the historical context, enhancing public spaces by reopening sections of the canal and improving its banks. The spectator theatre is conceived as a dynamic space combining studio and social productions. Its central location will activate historic buildings and connect them to neighbouring theatres and the arts district. The project aims to create new spaces for artists, such as temporary art exhibitions and workshops, fostering greater community engagement and cultural development.

Theater Description

An all-steel enclosure brings the Spectator Theater to life. The stage core is encompassed by the primary steel structure, for acoustic issues inside the theater hall the steel is clad with sound-absorbing panels also aided by the acoustic insulation inside the partition. While for the circulation space outside the theater hall both the supporting structure and cladding is made entirely of steel, except for the facade made of double glass, and a double facade of frosted glass panels with metal support to ensure natural air circulation. The theater space is characterized by telescopic tribuna that allow them to be raised or lowered according to need and theatrical choice. To make the theater more dynamic, the roof is designed to be openable, recalling the Shakespearian theater concept of the open-air theater. To do this, the use of metal pistons to which metal beams are attached that are coated internally with sound-absorbing material and externally with metal were considered.