Mecanoo designed a multipurpose interior for the Rozen Theatre in Amsterdam. New requirements and regulations prompted a large-scale renovation within the existing shell of the monumental building. Designed by Gulden and Geldmaker architects in 1912, the building was a major cinema that could entertain a thousand visitors.
Over the years, most of the building’s clear layout disappeared as the main public spaces were divided into separate rooms and corridors. Mecanoo’s new design continues the tradition of this monumental building as a place of experiment and entertainment for a youthful audience.
All public spaces such as the main theatre and foyer are furnished with new materials in bold colours. Fashioned from recycled plastic, the bar stands in front of a red acrylic wall whose colour and texture recall a sea of roses as a nod to the name of the theatre.
Fragments of performances, films and texts are projected above the bar, spanning the width of the foyer wall. The sidewall of the foyer balcony features rich motifs, and glass balconies admit filtered light from the stained glass windows deep into the space.
In the main theatre, the colour palette on the walls progresses from light pink to dark purple. A black box theatre was created in the old cinema by flattening the floor.
A moveable tribune seating 190 enables various configurations to suit changing needs. A flexible grid above the space suspends the lighting, sound and scenery. Insulated walls in combination with a floating timber floor form were installed to optimise the acoustics.