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Renovation & extension
Erick van Egeraat
Municipal Theatre
Haarlem
The Netherlands
“With tribute for the authentic style and atmosphere, I wanted the new parts to exceed the original in a way that blends the flight tower into the original building almost invisibly.”
Erick van Egeraat
Photo: Christian Richters
The Municipal Theatre of Haarlem is a cultural landmark in the historical city centre of Haarlem. The original theatre, built during World War II, is a listed monument and ranks among the five most important theatres in the Netherlands.
After almost one century, the existing theatre no longer met contemporary requirements for theatre techniques, production facilities and building accessibility. As a result of several renovations the building had lost most of its original character. Respectful restoration of its unique character was one of EEA’s main design objectives.
The most striking intervention to the monument is the replacement of the original flight tower by a new structure. To house all required facilities the flight tower’s volume has been significantly increased but he visual impact minimized through the cascading layering of the facade in material and shape.
The facade composition connects the contemporary and historic elements, and in an upwards transition of materials, the flight tower seemingly dissolves into the air.
Photo: Christian Richters
Photo: Christian Richters
The facade composition connects the contemporary and historic elements, and in an upwards transition of materials, the flight tower seemingly dissolves into the air.
Brickwork, ornamented porcelain and partially screen-printed glass are integrated into the existing eclectic Art Deco façade. The porcelain ornaments, a collaboration between Erick van Egeraat and Dutch ceramic artist Babs Haenen, complete the composition which proceeds the original style of the facade and gradually connects the existing building with the new flight tower.
Photo: Christian Richters
Photo: Christian Richters
The monumental spaces, like the theatre hall and adjoining foyer spaces, whose original quality has been lost over the years, are now restored to old splendor with contemporary comfort.
Photo: Christian Richters
Photo: Christian Richters
Photo: Christian Richters
Photo: Christian Richters
Photo: Christian Richters
Photo: Christian Richters
The revitalized identity, the blending of new and old, will ensure the Municipal Theatre Haarlem to keep its place in the centre of contemporary theatre life.
Drawing courtesy Erick van Egeraat associated architects
Ground Floor Plan
Drawing courtesy Erick van Egeraat associated architects
First Floor Plan
Drawing courtesy Erick van Egeraat associated architects
Second Floor Plan
Drawing courtesy Erick van Egeraat associated architects
Third Floor Plan
Drawing courtesy Erick van Egeraat associated architects
Section
Total area: 7,370 square meters
Renovation: 3,340 square meters
Extension: 4,030 square meters
Completed: 2008
Client: Municipality of Haarlem
Architects: Erick van Egeraat Associated Architects
Aude de Broissia
Massimo Bertolano
Kristjan Kaltenbach
Frank Huibers
Project team:
Cock Peterse
Michiel Verkroost
Gertjan Nijhoff
Mette Rasmussen
Paul Blonk
Alda Sofia Jesus
Ronald Brandsma
Marta Gonzalez
Julia Hausmann
Ann-Christin Hillebrand
Nils van Merienboer
Jesse Treurniet
Contributors:
Tanya Albertoe
Jan Bassa
Agnes Benkö
Ruben Kuipers
Andreas Meoli
Alberte van Santen
Bart Steenwegen
Jerry van Veldhuizen
Helga Wendland
Photographed by Christian Richters
Erick van Egeraat arcspace features
November 24, 2008