Solothurn City Theater, CH-Solothurn
The Solothurn City Theater was built in several phases, some of which were contradictory. The cramped conditions make it difficult to adapt the fragmented complex of buildings to the requirements of a modern theater.
To preserve the building’s integration into the fabric of the historic district, along with its cultural synergies, the building’s volumetry should remain as unchanged as possible. We also consider the roofscape and the materials used on the facades to be essential to the cityscape. The internal structure of the buildings, however, which has been altered several times, we view as subject to change. It requires a profound programmatic and technical adaptation to the needs of the modern theater.
Corridor
The existing theater space will be rotated 180°. This will allow all functions of the theater and the backstage area to be brought together under the large roof of the main building. As a historic landmark, the Krieg House will be spared any major alterations. Located close to the backstage area, it is ideally suited for administrative offices.
Hall
Since space on the ground floor is limited, we propose raising the theater auditorium to the first-floor level. The new theater auditorium is the central element of the project. The number of tiers will be limited to a balcony without sacrificing seating capacity.
By mirroring the current floor plan, the entrance and theater lobby will be located at Theatergasse 16. The ground floor can thus be used flexibly as a café, bar, event space, or rehearsal stage. This transforms the building into a public attraction even during the day, connecting the institution to city life. With a second entrance from Fischergasse, the entrance area can be further enhanced to serve as a semi-public passageway.
