Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés
19/02/2018.
[Freyming-Merlebach] France
metalocus, JOAQUIN MINAYA
metalocus, JOAQUIN MINAYA
The new Théodore Gouvy Theater takes over from the old historic theater of Freyming-Merlebach, which was badly damaged and with insufficient capacity. Due to the high unemployment growth suffered by this region of France, the project develops a cultural program to solve the social and economic problems of the city.
Exterior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Exterior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © David Romero-Uzeda
Exterior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © David Romero-Uzeda
Exterior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Exterior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © David Romero-Uzeda
Exterior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Exterior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Exterior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Exterior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Exterior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Exterior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Exterior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Exterior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Exterior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Exterior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Exterior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © David Romero-Uzeda
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © David Romero-Uzeda
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © David Romero-Uzeda
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © David Romero-Uzeda
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © David Romero-Uzeda
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © David Romero-Uzeda
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © David Romero-Uzeda
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © David Romero-Uzeda
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © David Romero-Uzeda
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Eugeni Pons
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Thibaut Muller
Interior. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph © Thibaut Muller
Site plan. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés
Ground floor. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés
First floor. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés
Second floor. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés
Section. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés
Elevations. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés
Diagram. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés
Diagram. Théodore Gouvy Theatre by Dominique Coulon & associés
The architects in charge of the project, Dominique Coulon & associés, designed this theater respecting the scale of the city and establishing a strong dialogue with the existing urban landscape. On the outside it is completely white with façade lines that ensure the visual transition between the various parts of the program. The lobby is moved to indicate the entrance. And in the interior a complex geometry prevails that guarantees a feeling of interior spaciousness.
Description of project by Dominique Coulon & associés
Freyming-Merlebach is a town with a substantial industrial past, in a part of Lorraine that developed in the 19th century, driven by the coalmining industry.
Since the closure of the mines in the 1990s, this part of north-eastern France has seen a sharp increase in unemployment, and culture is seen as one possibility for resolving the accompanying social and economic difficulties in the town, as has been the case in the neighbouring Ruhr region. The historic theatre in Freyming-Merlebach had deteriorated, and a number of cracks appeared as the result of disused underground tunnels. The old 500-seat auditorium needed to be replaced, and it had also become too small.
The site decided on for the ‘Théodore Gouvy’ theatre is on the Place des Alliés, in Freyming-Merlebach. The municipal authorities were keen to give a new boost to this evolving sector, which is close to the town centre and next to the new town hall and a shopping centre. It is a prominent location, with sufficient parking capacity for the use of audiences. The theatre has become a symbol of the town’s renewal, and its position is generating a new public space in the town centre. The theatre’s programming is pluri-disciplinary, covering every area of live performance: classical theatre (including the use of large-scale sets), contemporary theatre, musical theatre and opera, dance, etc. The ‘Théodore Gouvy’ theatre offers local residents a 700-seat auditorium, with dedicated areas for performers and logistics.
The theatre sets up an energetic dialogue with the heterogeneous urban landscape, shaping itself to fit the context and logic of the existing flows. It stands on a base, alongside the new municipal offices; its unusual shape and dimensions give it an steamlined silhouette, the lines of which ensure visual transition between the various parts of the programme while keeping on the same scale as the town. The visitor’s interest is caught by the animation of the volumes: in the upper part, the foyer is offset to indicate the entrance, while in the lower part, transparent elements allow glimpses of the wealth of interior routes and invite the visitor to enter.
The foyer occupies a vertical space with a route through an apparent intertwining of staircases leading to the auditorium. Oblique lines reiterating the complex geometry of the site cause spaces to expand, creating a feeling of space.
The uniformity of the untreated plaster and the softness of the carpeted floor contribute to the feeling of being in some kind of cocoon. Natural light enhances the various faces and reveals the building’s shape and dimensions. The route to reach the auditorium is therefore deliberately spectacular and theatrical.
The auditorium is in strong contrast with the nuanced surfaces of the outer envelope. The building presents the town with an immaculate white facade, while the foyer is in shades of beige. The 700-seat auditorium constitutes a complete break with the foyers. Red, pink and orange lend density to the space, affirming it as the main feature of the project, with colour sanctuarising the idea of performance.
Visibility is optimised in the 700‑seat auditorium: the most distant spectator is only twenty metres from the front of the stage. The foyer and public areas are flooded with natural light, varying throughout the day with the course of the sun. This evolutive, dynamic spatial staging echoes the very image of the theatre.
The ‘Théodore Gouvy’ theatre offers exceptional acoustic and stagecraft properties; the stage house is 24 metres high, with a grid at a height of 17 metres and an upper grid at a height of 19.50 metres, a catwalk, and two bridges. These technical fittings are arranged around a stage measuring 22 x 14 metres with a proscenium measuring 14 x 9 metres.
More information
Architects
Dominique Coulon. Architect.- Olivier Nicollas.
Colaborators
Manufacturers. Sto, Zumtobel, Balsan.--- Project Architects assistants. Jean Scherer.- David Romero-Uzeda.- Ali Ozku.- Fanny Liénart.- Grégoire Stouck.--- Competition. Olivier Nicollas.--- Construction supervision. Olivier Nicollas.--- Structural engineering. Batiserf.--- Mechanical Plumbing Engineer. Solares Bauen.--- Electrical Engineer. BET G. Jost.--- Cost control and monitoring. E3 Economie.--- HQE (high environmental quality) consultant. Solares Bauen.--- Acoustic. Euro Sound Project.--- Scenographer. Changement à vue.--- Roads and networks. Lollier Ingénierie.
Client
Communauté de communes Freyming-Merlebach.
Construction companies
Earthwork road works (COLAS).- Structure (CARI-FAYAT).- metal structure (ERTCM).- water proofing (COUVREST).- exterior steel joinery (SOCOMET).- ventilated facades (DEOBAT).- metal works (MULLER).- interior wood joinery – furniture (JUNG).- plastering (NESPOLA + WEREY STENGER).- glued floors (SGR).- tiles floors and walls (MULTI SERVICES).- interior painting cleaning (DEBRA).- elevators (ASCELEC).- scaffolding (KAPP).- electricity (ETA).- heating ventilation (SCHAEFFER).- plombing and drainage (LORRY).- Lockmithing, machinery and scenic carpentry (CAIRE).- scenic curtains and drapes (AZUR SCENIC).- theater armchairs (DELAGRAVE).- scenic lighting and audiovisual (SYSTEME SON).
Area
2,850.0 sqm.
Dates
Design year.- 2017.
Location
1 Pl. des Alliés, 57800 Freyming-Merlebach, France.
Photography
Eugeni Pons, Thibaut Muller.
Dominique Coulon
Dominique Coulon & associés. Located in the heart of Strasbourg, Dominique Coulon & Associés is a firm of architects of national and international renown.
For more than 25 years, the agency has earned a reputation for the quality of the public facilities it designs. It has worked on a wide and varied range of programmes, including a media library, music school, auditorium, school complex, swimming pool, sports facilities, a residential home for the dependent elderly, and housing.
Dominique Coulon and his three associates Steve Lethos Duclos, Olivier Nicollas and Benjamin Rocchi allow their intuition to lead the way as they seek to develop contextual projects that combine contrast and complexity, where the outer envelope hints at inner richness. Spatial quality and natural light are fundamental elements in every project: space is always controlled by precise geometry.
The agency has received many awards and distinctions: firstly in 1996 with the Prix de la Première Oeuvre for the ‘Pasteur’ lower secondary school in Strasbourg, followed by a number of nominations for the Équerre d’Argent award in 1999, 2002 and 2003. In 2006 it was a prize-winner in the PEB1 Compendium of Exemplary Educational Establishments organised by the OECD, for the ‘Martin Peller’ school complex in Reims. In 2008 it was nominated for the BSI Swiss Architectural Award and for the European Union prize awarded by the Mies van der Rohe Foundation, for the National Drama Centre in Montreuil. It has received a Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award on three occasions. In 2014, it won the Pool Vision Contest prize in the ‘public pools’ category, for the swimming pool in Bagneux. In 2017 it received the first prize in the Eiffel Trophies rewarding steel architecture, for the Media Library (Third Place) in Thionville, and was nominated for the European Union prize awarded by the Mies van der Rohe Foundation, for the residential home for the dependent elderly and the residential centre for handicapped people in Orbec.
For more than 25 years, the agency has earned a reputation for the quality of the public facilities it designs. It has worked on a wide and varied range of programmes, including a media library, music school, auditorium, school complex, swimming pool, sports facilities, a residential home for the dependent elderly, and housing.
Dominique Coulon and his three associates Steve Lethos Duclos, Olivier Nicollas and Benjamin Rocchi allow their intuition to lead the way as they seek to develop contextual projects that combine contrast and complexity, where the outer envelope hints at inner richness. Spatial quality and natural light are fundamental elements in every project: space is always controlled by precise geometry.
The agency has received many awards and distinctions: firstly in 1996 with the Prix de la Première Oeuvre for the ‘Pasteur’ lower secondary school in Strasbourg, followed by a number of nominations for the Équerre d’Argent award in 1999, 2002 and 2003. In 2006 it was a prize-winner in the PEB1 Compendium of Exemplary Educational Establishments organised by the OECD, for the ‘Martin Peller’ school complex in Reims. In 2008 it was nominated for the BSI Swiss Architectural Award and for the European Union prize awarded by the Mies van der Rohe Foundation, for the National Drama Centre in Montreuil. It has received a Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award on three occasions. In 2014, it won the Pool Vision Contest prize in the ‘public pools’ category, for the swimming pool in Bagneux. In 2017 it received the first prize in the Eiffel Trophies rewarding steel architecture, for the Media Library (Third Place) in Thionville, and was nominated for the European Union prize awarded by the Mies van der Rohe Foundation, for the residential home for the dependent elderly and the residential centre for handicapped people in Orbec.
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