TAKING THE DRAMA OUTSIDE
30 Aug 2017
In a bid to reactivate the area and extend theatrical events outdoors, a plan has been proposed detailing the rejuvenation of the Oslo National Theatre and its surrounding public spaces.
Oslo-based architecture firm Dark Arkitekter hopes to jumpstart the revitalisation of the city’s cultural centre with their proposed rehabilitation of the National Theatre and redevelopment of the surrounding public space. The government is currently planning to renovate the 118-year-old structure, and Dark Arkitekter has put forth their design on behalf of the Theatre.
All other cultural institutions in the area have recently moved into new buildings, leaving only the Theatre behind in a space that has reportedly been inadequate since the beginning. The troubles have only increased with time and Dark Arkitekter’s plan addresses three major concerns: the building’s considerable maintenance needs, the underutilised and unsafe urban space surrounding the building, and the area required for the theatre to be functional.
In the proposal, Dark Arkitekter would rehabilitate and upgrade the existing historic building to make it more accessible and functional, also adding meeting areas, a café, and a library. To avoid competing with the historic building, the remaining space needs for a modern theatre would be met by expanding underground.
Above ground, the site design plans to open barriers and draw people in, creating a connection with the university and other major hubs. As the architect describes it, “the entire site becomes a stage for urban life and theatrical performance, where the classical building plays the lead role.”