Architecture News Plus (ANP) – Architecture and Design Magazine

Schouwburg Amphion

This is a project by Mecanoo Architecten and it is located at Doetinchem, Netherlands. There are seventeen images for Schouwburg Amphion.

: © Christian Richters

Project images

Designer's statement

Theatrical experience

Schouwburg Amphion is a popular theatre in the city centre of Doetinchem in the Netherlands.

Because the current building could not keep up with current day demands, the municipality in cooperation with Amphion’s passionate director, Hank Raben, decided to build a new theatre. The new Schouwburg Amphion will be located in Lookwartier, a new neighborhood north east of the city center and close to shops, cafes and restaurants. Mecanoo designed the new Amphion not just as a building but also as a special theatrical experience for visitors in its own right. The result is a remarkable building that fluently transitions from outdoors to indoors that features organized and efficient theatre technologies.

Raised foyer

The concept is simple: a robust building of natural stone exposing horizontal glazed cut-throughs that offer views into the colourful and inviting theatre foyer. The façade leans backward slightly, strongly anchoring the building in Doetinchem’s sandy soil. The glass corner façade merges interior and exterior creating an attractive entrance. Like a red carpet, the entry ramp invites visitors to enter the Schouwburg. Through the entrance hall and via the grand staircase, visitors are led to the foyer around the two theatre halls. The theatre café and restaurant can also be found here.

The entrances to the large theatre hall, which seats around 870 people and the small multi-functional hall with 300 seats are located on the first floor. Large glass openings in the façade offer a view onto city life outside. The artist foyer and technical spaces lay under the foyer where the built-in loading docks are also located. Both stage floors are easily accessed on both sides and the insulation of the surrounding walls ensures that there is no neighbourhood noise pollution. The artist foyer and office spaces are located on the ground floor opposite new residences of the Lookwartier, allowing pedestrians to see into the theatre’s daily activities.

Intimate atmosphere

The glass façades and the warm red interior imbue the Amphion a lively and festive appearance at night and also during the day. The two halls each have their own interior and atmosphere that differs from the foyers. The large horseshoe shaped hall has two balconies and box seats on the ground floor, harkening to the traditional theatres of the 18th and 19th centuries. Because of the shape of the theatre hall, the public sits close to the stage. The chic décor of the hall with alternating of hard and soft materials, warm colours and variation in lighting emphasizes the intimate atmosphere. The new small hall has the appearance of an atelier or a workplace and refers to the small hall of the former Amphion. The technology is evident and the public sits almost on the stage. The audience seating is multifunctional and allows for different uses.

Details/Credits

Client: Cultureel Centrum Schouwburg Amphion N.V., Doetinchem
Location: Doetinchem, Netherlands
Programme: Great hall with around 870 seats, small hall with 300 seats, foyer and a theater café for a total of 8.400 m2
Contractor: ABT bv, Delft
Project management: BBN Adviseurs, Houten
Acoustic & fire safety consultant: Lichtveld Buis & Partners, Nieuwegein
Theatre consultant: Theateradvies bv, Amsterdam
Mechanical engineer: Royal Haskoning, Rotterdam
Building size: 8.000 m2
Design: 2006-2008
Construction: 2008-2010
Photographs: Christian Richters