[ UNstudio ] MusicTheatre

Client:
   Building: BIG, Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft m.b.H.
   Interior: KUG, University for music and applied art, Graz
Program: University faculty building
Gross floor surface: 6.200 m²
Volume: 31.600 m³
Site: 2.745 m²
Design year 1998-2003
Construction year 2006-2008
UNStudio: Ben van Berkel, Caroline Bos and Hannes Pfau with Miklos Deri, Kirstin Hollmann, Markus Berger, Florian Pischetsrieder, Uli Horner, Albert Gnodde, Peter Trummer, Maarten van Tuijl, Matthew Johnston, Mike Green, Monica Pacheco, Ger Gijzen, Wouter de Jonge

Engineering: Arup London: Cecil Balmond, Volker Schmid, Charles Walker, Francis Archer
Engineering execution: Peter Mandl and Partners, Graz
Specifications: Housinc Bauconsult, Vienna
Accoustics and building physics: ZT Gerhard Tomberger, Graz
Pro Acoustics Engineering, Graz
Stage technique: e.f.f.e.c.t.s. technisches Buro GmbH, Klosterneuburg

The building is structured to combine a unit-based volume (the black box of the theatre) and a series of movement-based volumes (foyer and public circulation). Because this organising principle is made constructive, a fluent internal spatial arrangement is actualised, efficiently connecting spaces to each other. The multipurpose auditorium can seat up to 450, and that is adaptable to a great variety of performances. The free-flowing space of the foyer is made possible by a spiraling constructive element that connects the entrance to the auditorium and to the music rooms above, thus welding together ‘with a twist’ the three levels of this side of the building. This twist forms a 3D interpretation of the repetitive pattern, executed in the muted tones of stage make-up, which  is applied to the facades and then enveloped by a glittering mesh.


from  unstudio