Can the theatrical experience of the stage be extended to encompass architecture?

The World Stage Design 2013 called for a temporary pavilion for performances which could be dismantled at the end of the festival. We responded to the design by questioning the difference between the skin of the theatre and the theatre itself; two distinct and parallel paths.

Our design proposes to redefine the two disciplines, unifying architecture with stage design to create a cohesive theatre experience. Whereas the traditional theatre building differentiates between the outer skin of the theatre and the theatre itself, the temporary pavilion is designed to combine the two; the theatre becomes the outer skin of the building.

Located within the courtyard to the old stable mews for Cardiff Castle, the theatre brings in the surrounding context by blurring the distinction between the stage and the audience. The highly flexible curtain to the theatre allows productions to extend their seating and even the stage into the courtyard, making the theatre a highly suitable venue for productions of various sizes. More intimate productions have the option to close off the curtain to create a more private space for performances.

The flexibility offered by the architecture of the theatre allows an infinite possibility of adaptations to be created.