Flexible double theatre with common – or separate – stage, having the possibility to open up to the city. The foyer can also host shows. International Architecture Award 2010 (The Chicago Athenaeum and European Centre for Architecture, Art Design and Urban Studies).

The Curve as seen from the street,
with a view onto the 350-seat theatre.
The Curve as seen from the street,
with a view onto the 350-seat theatre.
750-seat Proscenium theatre.
750-seat Proscenium theatre.
“Lift-off” opening show, with audience passing by on stage.
Vertically moving acoustic wall,
opening up to the outside world after the “Lift-off” show.
One of the foyer bars.
Foyer on the glazed façade side.
The foyer
being used as
a performance space,
here for the
“Lift-off” show.
Looking upwards
in the foyer,
across the
750-theatre pod.
Information Sheet

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Location   Leicester, United Kingdom.

Project Cost   £62 million (approximately 56 million €).

Time Frame   Design 2002-2007, construction 2005-2008, opened in November 2008.

Owner   Leicester City Council.

Architect(s)   Rafael Viñoly, Rafael Viñoly Architects, New York and London.

Theatre Planner(s)   Ducks Scéno, France.

Seat Count   13 000 m² SHON. Performing arts center with two theatres, one 750-seat Proscenium theatre and one 350-seat Black Box theatre. The main stage can be part of the lobby and used as a stage for either (or both) of the theatre spaces. Acoustical isolation is in part provided through novel curtain and separation concepts.

Uses   Theatre, musicals, experimental theatre, music performances.

Services   Comprehensive acoustics consulting, from basic design through construction supervision and opening services.

Team   Eckhard Kahle, Project Manager, Thomas Wulfrank, Site Supervision, Nathalie Faillet, Kahle Acoustics.