Kengo Kuma wins the competition to design the Kamal Theater in Kazan
03/03/2022.
[Kazan - Republic of Tatarstan] Russia
metalocus, CARLOS GONZÁLEZ
metalocus, CARLOS GONZÁLEZ
Project description by Kengo Kuma
We are very pleased to announce that Kengo Kuma & Associates has been awarded first prize in the competition to design the new Kamal Theatre in Kazan, Russia, together with the wonderful local architects Wowhause, German Bakulin, and brilliant engineers at Werner.Sobek
Our aim is to create a unique theatre deeply rooted in Tatar culture: inheriting the spirit and memories of the old theatre, its role as a gathering place for the community, and merging with the long history of the Kamal theatre and the city of Kazan.
At the exterior, a transparent facade subtly reflects the surroundings, blending architecture with nature and revealing the fluctuation of the atmosphere over time. The shifting triangular silhouette, a reference to the classic Kamal Theater, exposes a different character as viewed from each side.
For the interior and main hall, we worked with Arup performing arts designers, inspired by the overwhelmingly beautiful Tatar crafts and ornaments and drew from the intricate designs to create a warm, cozy, and inviting atmosphere with world-class performance experience capabilities combined with a particular focus on local theatre community.
It is a great honor to have the chance to work on such a unique project. We hope to keep learning from the local people and nature so that we can deliver a new theater, to be loved by the people of Kazan.
Kengo Kuma was born in Yokohama (Kanagawa, Japan) in 1954. He studied architecture at the University of Tokyo, finishing his degree in 1979. In 1987, he opened the "Spatial Design Studio". In 1990 he founded "Kengo Kuma & Associates" and extend the study to Europe (Paris, France) in 2008. Since 1985 and until 2009, has taught as visiting professor and holder at the universities of Columbia, Keio, Illinois and Tokyo.
Main Awards:
· 2011 The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's Art Encouragement Prize for "Yusuhara Wooden Bridge Museum."
· 2010 Mainichi Art Award for “Nezu Museum.”
· 2009 "Decoration Officier de L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres" (France).
· 2008 Energy Performance + Architecture Award (France). Bois Magazine International Wood Architecture Award (France).
· 2002 Spirit of Nature Wood Architecture Award (Finland).
· 2001 Togo Murano Award for “Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum.”
· 1997 Architectural Institute of Japan Award for “Noh Stage in the Forest”. First Place, AIA DuPONT Benedictus Award for “Water/Glass” (USA).