Revamping the main building of the Wybrzeże Theater in Gdańsk was a challenging but captivating project for me and my team. Although we have experience designing theaters, operas, and performance venues, this project felt uniquely close and personal to us. Our journey began in 2015 when we won the competition for the new auditorium, and we dedicated ourselves to the design work with varying intensity, persisting until this July.
© Nate Cook
The present structure we see today was built in the early 1960s on the remains of a pre-war building. Located in Gdańsk’s historical cityscape, it contains many hidden secrets and surprising elements. While designing the Wybrzeże Theater, the main focus was to create a venue that boasts an auditorium with excellent visibility from every seat and top-notch acoustics. The stage was equipped with state-of-the-art technology and various functionalities, including two-story trap lifts, a revolving section, and numerous lighting and scenography battens.
© Nate Cook
Wybrzeże Theater’s Design Concept
“We have created a welcoming entrance area and foyer that provides a comfortable space for visitors to chat and reflect, while admiring the historical charm of the city. Our artistic vision was fully supported by the investor, and I’m pleased to say that our project has been successfully completed. This venue is designed to free artistic endeavors from technical constraints, so that visitors can enjoy a heightened sensory and aesthetic experience.”
© Nate Cook
Our spatial and artistic design approach involves a contrast of elements. The foyer features vibrant colors and materials, while the auditorium maintains a more subdued and uncluttered atmosphere. Despite this juxtaposition, we have ensured that the overall design remains minimalistic so that a significant portion of space is dedicated to the essence of theatrical art. We have also transformed the rooftop of the Wybrzeże Theater into a terrace, which offers the possibility for dramatic activities and various events with a scenic view of the old town of Gdańsk. We hope our efforts will be appreciated, benefiting both artists and audiences.
© Nate Cook
Project Info:
Architects: WAPA Warsztat Architektury Pracownia Autorska
Area: 4500 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs: Nate Cook
Lead Architect: Krzysztof Kozłowski
Project Architects: Mikołaj Andrzejewski, Damian Mroczkowski, Maria Puchalska, Monika Szarleja
City: Gdańsk
Country: Poland
