Lundgaard & Tranberg
The Royal Theater
Copenhagen, Denmark
Photo: arcspace
The new Royal Theater is situated on the waterfront in the center of Copenhagen, across from the Opera House.
Photo: arcspace
The building complex consists of three compositional elements: the foyer, a broad “sidewalk” floating on thin columns over the water, the auditorium and stage tower, and the service area, placed in an expansive and unifying roof level, clad in glass.
These three elements form a charged, geometric composition that completes the surrounding urban structure and opens the city to the harbor.
Photo: arcspace
Photo: arcspace
The buildings placement and square plan compliments the neighboring building blocks, extending the long promenade that runs along the Copenhagen waterfront.
Illuminated by night the theater has a radiant, welcoming waterfront presence.
Photo: Jens Lindhe
Photo: Jens Lindhe
The foyer, spanning the entire length of the building, opens to the
oak promenade via sliding glass doors, inviting the public into the
building.
Photo: arcspace
Photo: arcspace
Planned as a public room the airy nine meter tall foyer is dominated by protruding balconies and wide stairs leading to the different levels. The café at one end of the foyer can expand to the promenade deck during the summer months.
Photo: arcspace
Photo: arcspace
Photo: arcspace
Photo: arcspace
Apart from the the extensive transparent glass facade daylight enters the center of the building through long slits in the roof.
Photo: arcspace
Photo: arcspace
Photo: arcspace
The top level is supported by massive trusses, silhouetted behind glass walls of different green colors. This floor houses the “light” functions; wardrobes, administrative offices, canteen and rehearsal rooms.
Photo: arcspace
The “heavy” functions, the stages, are housed behind brick walls in a variation of dark tones. The brick facade is also pulled into the foyer, marking the placement of the stages, and into the large auditorium for a “grotto” like feeling.
Photo: arcspace
Photo: arcspace
Photo: arcspace
Photo: Jens Lindhe
Photo: Signe Baadsgaard
The stage tower is clad in copper integrating it in Copenhagen’s skyline of copper domes and spires.
Drawing courtesy Lundgaard & Tranberg
Site Plan
Drawing courtesy Lundgaard & Tranberg
Plan Ground Level 1
Drawing courtesy Lundgaard & Tranberg
Plan Upper Level
Drawing courtesy Lundgaard & Tranberg
Section
Drawing courtesy Lundgaard & Tranberg
Elevation
Total area: 21,000 square meters
Completed: 2008
Total area: 21,000 square meters
Large stage: 650 seats
port stage: 250 seats
Small stage: 100 seats
Client: Ministry of Culture
Client consultants:
Moe & Brødsgaard & Erik Møllers Tegnestue
Architects: Lundgaard & Tranberg Arkitektfirma A/S
Engineers: COWI
Acoustics: Gade & Mortensen Akustik A/S
Theater engineering: Ramböll AB Sverige
Graphic design: Aggerbo & Henriksen
Lundgaard & Tranberg arcspace features
March 24, 2008