Dutch residents vote UNStudio to design new Theatre on the Parade in Den Bosch

Over in The Netherlands, the people of Den Bosch have spoken: fellow Dutch firm UNStudio will design the new Theatre on the Parade proposed for the heart of the city. During the competition public vote, where Den Bosch locals had to vote for one of the two finalists, UNStudio received 57% of the valid votes cast by 2,681 people. Furthermore, the city conducted a survey among 5,000 people, and approximately 400 residents in the immediate area and other stakeholders were invited to vote as well.

Showing off Ben van Berkel's distinct geometric forms, UNStudio's winning design balances the theater-going experience and its urban surroundings at the central "Parade" public square, also near St. John's Cathedral.

Other recent projects by the firm include the Theatre de Stoep in Spijkenisse and the SUTD campus in Singapore that completed its first phase last month.

Check out the winning proposal right below.

Project description:

"Reminiscent of geological formations, the composition of the volumes thwarts expectations of alignment and order, thereby arresting the gaze and accentuating perceptions of volumetric and spatial arrangements. The composition of offset yet interrelated and connected parts thus avoids an image of seamless fusion, instead alluding to the dynamics and drama of the theatre experience."

Contextual considerations - "The relationship with the surrounding buildings and the adjacent public square ('the Parade') was an essential consideration in the design. In order to cause as little hindrance as possible to immediate neighbours, the two auditoria are designed as enclosed volumes clad in natural stone, while the facades of the public spaces are constructed from glass, so that the theatre building and the public square seamlessly merge and visitors become part of the show."

"The four volumes of the theatre frame the views to include the nearby St. John’s Cathedral and the Parade Square. The volume housing the larger of the two auditoria is partially sunken below ground, thereby ensuring that the building remains low and that sightlines to the St. John’s Cathedral are maintained. The massing additionally results in a compact building with an optimised volume and integrated stage towers, while a terrace on the third floor offers visitors further unobscured views of the city."

Interior and Vertical Foyer - "The floor of the public foyer runs level to the ‘Parade’, enabling the theatre to form a natural extension of the public square. Guests can directly access the small auditorium via the theatre café, while the elevators and stairs take visitors to their chosen destination within the theatre."

The main stairway with glass balustrades forms the heart of the vertical foyer, which extends over four levels and is 19 meters in height. The vertical Foyer forms the column-free central space of the building around which all circulation takes place, thereby creating a dynamic movement of people through all levels of the theatre.

Ben van Berkel: 'The various levels of the vertical foyer can be utilised simultaneously for a variety of commercial functions. This enables flexible programming for public and privates events, shows and conferences. Such additional programming adds liveliness and versatility to the theatre building and extends its public function.'

Auditoria - "The walls of the main auditorium, which seats 950, are clad with wooden lamellas which serve to improve the acoustics, while the floor - slightly recessed below ground level - provides a natural buffer to noise hindrance for the immediate surroundings. Similarly, if a number of events are taking place simultaneously, these do not interfere with one another.

The smaller auditorium, the ‘Paradezaal’ which seats 420, houses a flexible stage and retractable seating, enabling a variety of performance types: from intimate theatre pieces to celebratory events and shows which can use the complete space without seating. During public events on the Parade Square - such as the traditional annual carnival - the doors to the theatre café can be opened and the internal sliding wall moved, thereby connecting the small auditorium with the public space and leading the revelers directly into the heart of the theatre."

Behind the scenes - "The logistics for the theatre are carried out entirely underground by means of an innovative system that results in no inconvenience or interruption to the Parade Square. Trucks load and unload in the cellar, while goods are transported internally via elevators. The changing rooms and hospitality service spaces are also located in the cellar. Catering suppliers make use of a service road on the west side of the theatre and each level of the foyer houses a catering outlet which is served by a service lift from the kitchen in the basement."

Further work on the design and planning will begin after the summer. Construction is currently scheduled to begin in 2017, and 2020 is the goal completion date.

Check out more UNStudio projects on Bustler here.

More project images in the thumbnails below.