Renovation and Extension of the Kuopio City Theatre

The design of the original modernist 1960s theater building by architects Helmer Stenros and Risto-Veikko Luukkonen is based on a monumental rectangular volume lifted four meters above the ground. In the renovation, the technical installations and stage mechanics were completely updated and the stage tower elevated. The old windows, doors and facades were repaired. The public areas were renovated to respectfully reflect their original design with new built-in furniture also following the original design philosophy. When approaching the theater from the direction of the city center, the only visible alteration is the 4-meter add- on to the original stage tower mandated by theater technical updates. It forms a glowing glass lantern that leaves the distinctive shape of the old tower recognizable.

The expansion is a simple white rectangular volume located perpendicularly to the original volume. It is a solid, contemporary addition complementing the old structure with equal quality and permanence. The expansion houses a new flatfloored studio stage with flexible seating and stage mechanics. New spaces have also been provided for dressing, costume manufacturing and storage. To connect the old and new volumes, the original public foyer has been extended with a bridgelike structure. The foyer extension forms a canopy over a new outdoor auditorium built between the volumes. Loading has been reorganized and a lift placed between the two stages.

The straightforward manner in which the new stage connects to the main stage helps with the optimization of stage logistics and enables combined functionality of the stages. The original main entrance serves both theater halls. The halls located one floor above ground are accessed via a dramatic pyramid stair leading up to the foyer area from the ground floor wardrobe. The old building has a timeless material palette consisting of white concrete panels, glass and terracotta tiles. To complement this, the expansion is clad in white fiber concrete panels with a varying, wrinkled surface form, and copper is used for window sashes and the walls of the new ventilation plant room. The lion mane yellow carpet in the foyer also follows the original color scheme.