New Theatre in Pilsen (Czechia)

Innovative bubble facade invites spectators

The Czech city of Pilsen has a new architectural highlight: the New Theatre, which is part of the city's main theatre venue – the J.K. Tyl Theatre.

The building, which is equipped with state-of-the-art theatre technology, has two auditoriums – one with a capacity of approximately 500 seats, and a smaller one for 150–200 spectators.

It is the first building in Czechia with a facade comprising 600 m³ of coloured concrete. Another unique concrete element of the theatre building is the “bubble” facade on its south side, which represents a stage curtain. The wall leans slightly forward as if inviting spectators into the theatre. The architect specified that there should be no seams or joints visible in the bubble facade – which meant it had to be produced in a continuous pour. The framing construction required a high level of precision to position and shape the 40 irregular oval holes, three of which are placed at the bottom as the entrance to the theatre.