K-Architectures: Saint-Nazaire theatre

The remnants of a destroyed neoclassical train station form the base of this new theatre, which draws inspiration from its industrial surroundings for a bulky shape featuring a decorative motif.

Paris based architecture studio K-architettures has recently completed the Saint-Nazaire theatre in France, located next to the remnants of a neoclassical train station, heavily destroyed during the course of the Second World War. The area surrounding the station has recently been targeted by the municipality for renovation, after years of abandonment and an industrial past.

"The theatre draws inspiration for its materials and style from its immediate surroundings", state architects Karine Herman and Jérôme Sigwalt. "Its monolithic mineral bulk is borrowed from the giant bunker in the surroundings, and its rough-hewed shape is borrowed from neighbouring utilitarian designs. Here and there, it is adorned with a floral imprint pattern, inspired by a 17th century French silk textile motif".

The site entrance is defined by the remnants of the train station, leading to two pavilions connected by arcades. The empty space in between evokes a nave, and the train tracks that once existed. Two different kinds of concrete façades surround the building: the plain areas were cast in place, while a few areas are comprised of prefabricated panels, where the textile motif is engraved or perforated upon. The main concrete volume hosts the auditorium and stage, while other service areas are located along its flanks.
K-Architectures, <em>Saint-Nazaire theatre</em>, France, 2012
K-Architectures, Saint-Nazaire theatre, France, 2012
K-Architectures: Saint-Nazaire theatre
Architects:K-Architectures
Area: 3,900 square metres
Capacity: 773 — 826 people
Completion: April 2012
K-Architectures, <em>Saint-Nazaire theatre</em>, France, 2012
K-Architectures, Saint-Nazaire theatre, France, 2012
K-Architectures, <em>Saint-Nazaire theatre</em>, France, 2012
K-Architectures, Saint-Nazaire theatre, France, 2012
K-Architectures, <em>Saint-Nazaire theatre</em>, France, 2012
K-Architectures, Saint-Nazaire theatre, France, 2012
K-Architectures, <em>Saint-Nazaire theatre</em>, France, 2012
K-Architectures, Saint-Nazaire theatre, France, 2012
K-Architectures, <em>Saint-Nazaire theatre</em>, France, 2012
K-Architectures, Saint-Nazaire theatre, France, 2012

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