BEAUSOBRE THEATER AND MUSIC SCHOOL
The renowned Beausobre Theater on Lake Geneva, Switzerland, was built in 1986 and in dire need of a complete renovation some 33 years later.
In June 2021, the theater with its new adjacent school facilities (music school, restaurant, administration.) reopened its doors after a carefully concerted restoration. The architectural approach addressed the challenges of a vital implementation of state-of-the-art standards in all existing building parts combined with a need for modest interventions due to a limited budget. The
renovation aimed to revitalize the iconic theatre by adding modern functionality and revealing its hidden beauty while adhering to a resource-conscious approach.
The entrance hall was transformed through spatial reorganization and the exposure and enhancement of its remarkable existing but hidden skeleton which, after more than thirty years, becomes its main actor at last.
A low-hanging suspended ceiling was removed, uncovering the fan-shaped raw concrete beams underneath, and increasing the generosity of the foyer, bar, and seating areas. A timeless interior design concept with subtle details was carefully introduced around it, fitting seamlessly into its voids while reinforcing the contrast between existing and new.
While the auditorium may appear entirely renovated, only select interventions were carried out. Amongst other technical improvements, a cooling system was integrated without compromising the excellent existing acoustical shells. Additional minor interventions, such as the renewal of the seating and flooring, contribute to its sober and elegant appearance. Both aesthetic and technical challenges were met with thoughtful, intentionally planned, and meticulously executed details. Resources and energy were managed efficiently, putting the focus on design inherent sustainability.
This transformation not only benefits staff and theatregoers, but also the adjacent school and music and performance students from the wider region. As a resurgent cultural hub, the building complex today fosters collaborative opportunities between academics, artists, performers, directors, and production companies.
