Szczecin Summer Theatre debuts new roof featuring membranes by Serge Ferrari Group
Serge Ferrari Group has joined a project to redevelop Szczecin Summer Theatre using two of the Group’s architectural membranes — Flexlight Advanced 1002 S2 and Alphalia Silent AW.
Nestled on the picturesque banks of the Oder River in Western Poland, the city of Szczecin boasts a rich historical tapestry. Once the seat of the Duchy of Pomerania and later an integral part of the Kingdom of Prussia, this vibrant city now thrives as one of the busiest Baltic Sea ports, steeped in culture, academia and the arts.
Within the embrace of Kasprowicz Park, a cultural gem graces the landscape: the Helena Majdaniec Summer Theatre. Designed by visionary architect Zbigniew Abrahamowicz and inaugurated in 1976, this architectural marvel bore a concrete arch reminiscent of the iconic Gateway Arch in Saint-Louis, Missouri.
In 2015, the Szczecin city council initiated a design competition to rejuvenate the theatre, envisioning a new roof and comprehensive stage and auditorium renovations. The aim was clear: to elevate the venue’s allure and enhance its amenities, particularly for its vibrant summer season.
Enter London-based studio Flanagan Lawrence, selected as the competition’s victor. Their design brilliantly harmonises the theatre with its verdant surroundings. The new roof, with its graceful curve and ivory silhouette, stands as a testament to architectural prowess, seamlessly merging with the lush greenery.
Preserving the theatre’s signature arch, Flanagan Lawrence combined it with a geometrically intricate roof structure, meticulously crafted with advanced computational software. This fusion of form and function sets the stage for a European amphitheatre at the forefront of technology and acoustic excellence.
Cladded using the Flexlight Advanced 1002 S2
The roof, spanning both stage and audience, consists of a robust steel grid shell. Its exterior is clad with Flexlight Advanced 1002 S2, renowned for its durability, transparency and consistent hue when backlit. This white fabric not only enhances the roof’s graceful aesthetic but also optimises lighting effects.
Beneath the structure, diamond-shaped panels adorned with acoustic membrane Alphalia Silent AW absorb up to 65% of ambient sound, minimising reverberation and ensuring impeccable acoustic quality.
In total, over 4 500 square metres of Serge Ferrari membranes have been employed in this ambitious cultural restoration, aligning the Helena Majdaniec theatre with Europe’s finest auditoriums in both acoustic excellence and visual identity.
As the local distributor for Serge Ferrari in southern Africa, Synchron Markings is proud to be associated with this transformative project, showcasing the power of innovation and design in the heart of Szczecin.
© Synchron Fabrics & Foils, October 2023
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