Colorful Architecture Enlivens Community In Dutch Town

Project: Theatre Agora
Location: Lelystad, Netherlands
Architect/Designer: UNStudio in collaboration with B+M, Den Haag
Completion: 2007
NON-ALPOLIC

As part of a greater plan to revitalize the city of Lelystad, UNStudio, in collaboration with B+M, was commissioned to create a theater that would enliven the post-war Dutch community. Thinking beyond conventional design, the architects created a building with a “kaleidoscopic effect,” in which the building itself serves as a theatrical complement to the performances on stage. The fantastical interior and exterior design employ bold color contrasts and harsh angles.

The building's perforated exterior is made of steel plates and glass layered in shades of yellow and orange. The dramatic angles allow the façade to appear almost futuristic, and serve as a great contrasting factor to the surrounding architecture. The main theater is completely red from the carpet to the acoustic paneling that covers the walls.

Ben van Berkel, co-founder of UNStudio, was quoted stating that this particular project was one of the firm’s most challenging. The project required the creation of unusual inventions such as the interior handrail. The handrail descends down the main staircase as a pink spiral and makes its way around the interior in a sort of roller coaster formation, optically changing colors along the way.

photos © Iwan Baan + Christian Richters via Arch Daily

information © Arch Daily

DISCLAIMER: This project does not feature ALPOLIC Materials. The Architecture, Design and Sustainability sections of our blog are for global projects that we find remarkable.