Reutlingen, Germany

Reutlingen Open-Air Community Theatre

New Development of a Covered Seating Area with Ticket Office for the Reutlingen Open-Air Community Theatre

Clear the stage!

On June 22nd 2008, the imaginary curtain fell at the new open-air theatre in Reutlingen, providing future theatregoers with an entertaining programme in an appealing atmosphere. The new covered seating area at the heart of the forest has a “light, open and modern” design, entirely in keeping with the clients’ wishes. The covering extends like part of the woodland landscape out of the ground, offering visitors a protective roof. The movement of the dynamic structure symbolises growth and change – the theatre is not a foreign body but blends into the natural surroundings of the forest.

Approximately 1,000 seats for theatre audiences are arranged beneath the generous self-supporting roof structure. The projecting roof structure in the entrance area offers additional protection against adverse weather conditions. All seats command an ideal view of the open-air stage in front. The design still establishes a strong relationship with the surrounding woodland scenery – not only formally but also in the use of materials. The green colour of the Alucobond cladding lends a natural appearance to the design and integrates the structure into its surroundings. Sloping joints in the metal cladding follow a natural (dis-)order, the colouring and structure of the forest being picked up in the façade. Similarly, the reflections on the façade, which vary depending on the incidence of light, create an animated interplay of light and shadow – a phenomenon particularly noticeable in the forest.

The interior of the audience seating area is panelled entirely in wood. The substructure for this setting is formed by a timber supporting structure with a steel roof girder which straddles the whole interior area without any support. In order to leave the clean forms of the seating area as intact as possible, the lighting bridge has been integrated into the roof space, and the sidewalls have been designed to accommodate the storage of items of scenery. Sound and lighting equipment is housed centrally at the back of the hall. The separate ticket office, located in front of the entrance area, bears a formal relationship to the design of the covered seating area, while the generously designed entrance and rest area of the new construction offers visitors a perfect place to relax in. A direct link from the road to the stage allows even large vehicles access to the site.

A lighting concept designed to meet the particular requirements of the theatre ensures ideal lighting conditions both within the covered seating area and in the outdoor areas. The narrow light lines, flush-fitted into the ceiling and side panels, lend structure to the ceiling, punctuate the dynamics of the construction, and provide fascinating light effects.

The architecture of the Reutlingen Open-Air Community Theatre fits sensitively into the location and, together with the improved infrastructure, makes the new development an attractive venue for the theatre as well as other cultural media, companies and private individuals. Whether for concerts, open-air cinema, festivals or company events, the new open-air theatre provides the right framework for the widest variety of events. Together with the cabaret stages, the open-air stage forms a “green-space cultural centre”, adding an element of urban design to the recreational area of Markwasen.

Property Details

Location Naturtheater Reutlingen Mark Gewand 3 72762 Reutlingen, Germany

Client Naturtheater Reutlingen e.V. Mark Gewand 3 72762 Reutlingen, Germany

Architects 4a Architekten GmbH Matthias Burkart Alexander von Salmuth Ernst Ulrich Tillmanns Hallstrasse 25 70376 Stuttgart, Germany Associates:  Barbara Croonenberg (project and construction management), Rüdiger Ostermayer

Structural planning Breinlinger + Partner VBI Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH Kanalstraße 1-4 78532 Tuttlingen, Germany  Building physics Kurz and Fischer Beratende Ingenieure Brückenstraße 9 71364 Winnenden, Germany

Planning period 09/2006 to 09/2007

Construction period 09/2007 to 06/2008

Construction costs approx. 1.1 million euro

Gross floor area 1,065 m²

Gross cubit volume 6,797 m³

Service phases (HOAI) 1 to 9