The Royal Theater
Lundgaard & Tranberg

Photo: arcspace

The new Royal Theater is situated on the waterfront in the center of Copenhagen, across from the Opera House.

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

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

One of the primary architectural element is the floating foyer and "sidewalk."
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 & TranbergSite Plan
Drawing courtesy Lundgaard & TranbergPlan Ground Level 1
Drawing courtesy Lundgaard & TranbergPlan Upper Level

Drawing courtesy Lundgaard & TranbergSection

Drawing courtesy Lundgaard & TranbergElevation