by Architecture-Studio / Al-Manama, Bahrain
        |
The National Theatre of Bahrain project was the subject of an international tender won by the French agency Architecture-Studio, a firm that already has many achievements to its credit in the Gulf region.
Bahrain means “two seas” in Arabic: this maritime reference captures the insular character of the Arab-Persian Gulf archipelago, the extreme horizontality of which fostered the project’s form. In fact, Architecture-Studio chose to situate this 12,000m. theatre facing the “lagoon” of the National Museum, so as to preserve its views and, more importantly, its majestic profile facing offshore. Its openwork structure creates harmonious architectural discourse with the nearby National Museum, built in the 1980s, with which it shares public spaces that serve as foundations for this ceaselessly evolving cultural district. Set between land and sea, the National Theatre of Bahrain is distinguished by its canopy, a weave of openwork aluminium that is of major importance, able to filter sunlight and, above all, keep high temperatures in check. Inspired by the country’s traditional wicker rooftops, this immense sunshade also provides natural ventilation for the extensive outdoor walkway, another of the theatre’s attractive features. Thus designed by Architecture-Studio, this contemporary work blends perfectly with its surroundings. Set within this canopy, a stainless-steelcovered shell houses a 1,001-seat auditorium with a foyer enabling spectators to move from one balcony to another. As a counterpoint to the transparency of the main hall, this shimmering gold enclosed space serves as a foundation stone: this is truly where it all happens. Inside, the hall is sculpted of organic shapes and completely panelled in elm, a wood selected for its superior acoustic qualities. Similar to the inverted hull of a ship, this panelling spotlights age-old craftsmanship reminiscent of the architecture of dhows, the ancestral fishing boats still used today for fishing pearls, a world-renowned local treasure. The auditorium’s easy adaptability to any form of live entertainment owes to the sophistication of the stage components that can be shifted from one configuration to another while retaining the same visual and acoustic quality, invisible soundabsorbing curtains, removable acoustic shells, padded leather chairs by Poltrona Frau. The planning for this Italian-style theatre – stretching 28 metres between the stage and the last row – was implemented by the architects in association with London-based design consultancy TPC (Theater Project Consultants), as well as that of Albert Xu, an acoustic engineer whose name is synonymous with some of the greatest concert hall achievements in the world. This project is representative of an emerging culture in the Middle East, by investing and believing in the benefits of cultural diversity, Bahrain is establishing itself as a leader in opening to the rest of the world. An undertaking encouraged by H.E. Shaikha Mai, who is committed to strengthening ties between her country, those of the Gulf, and the remainder of the world. Completion of the National Theatre of Bahrain, which she has supported for a number of years, will serve as ambassador for this new vision.
Space for a major cultural building
The building is organized around the Grand Foyer, with a clear separation of the public amenities, as in main auditorium, the foyers, the flexible auditorium, the official “majlis” salon, and the café, and of the spaces exclusively available for artists, technical staff and administrative employees. Public entrance traverses the shaded square, through the foyer-hall open on the lagoon, the museum, and further away Al-Manama coastline. In the foyer, visitors face the heart of the structure: the 1 001 seat main room’s volume coated with gold-reflecting stainless steel. Accesses to the auditorium are located on the sides of this volume, where two staircases also lead to the superior foyers serving the stall and the two balconies. The foyer-hall houses reception, ticket booth and a small bookstore, and can also host temporary art installations. Either side of the foyer are the official “majlis” salon and the café, open on a beautiful canopy-shaded terrace. Stage doors and theatre staff entrance are on the building’s east facade. Adjoining to this entrance, the artist foyer gives them access to their dressingrooms and the backstage. Part of the first floor, occupied by administration, is led to by a staircase and an elevator, the remaining part being technical. Technical staff access and deliveries are located on the north façade of the building. It also leads to the workshop, the storage and backstage. The theatre’s architecture fosters the bond between artists and audience. The curved design of the balconies, the smooth and comfortable texture of the wood enveloping the entire space set the conditions of the scenery. The room is drawn like a musical instrument that resonates the right way.
Materials
The canopy covering the entire edifice is made up of woven perforated ribbons of anodized aluminium. The gaps they form insure proper ventilation and create a play of light and shadow that metamorphoses the place, between indoors and outdoors, land and sea, depending on the time of day. In the shade of the canopy, the curtain wall of the foyer-hall is of utmost transparency thanks to its glass stiffeners. The main auditorium volume ascending above the canopy is covered with stainless steel with golden reflections. Its texture catches light under different angles: twinkling at dawn, flamboyant at sunset. Inside, the fine lines of brass that draw the rooms curves light up the warm elm wood. Circling the main auditorium’s volume, a lower space, hidden beneath the canopy and covered with granite, includes all the other rooms. Three major public venues are therefore highlighted: the square beneath the canopy, the foyer-hall and the auditorium, by day and by night.
Theatre of light
At dusk, the canopy’s surface appears as a silver sea out of which emerges the gold-lit volume, like the buildings beating heart. In Al-Manama at night, between sky and sea, the theatre becomes imaginary, made of lights and reflections.
