a+r architects and NL architects build demountable interim venue for staatstheater stuttgart

interim venue of the Württembergische Staatstheater Stuttgart

The collaborative design by a+r Architects and NL Architects was selected as the winner proposal in the international competition for the temporary new home of the Württembergische Staatstheater Stuttgart. This interim structure will accommodate the Stuttgart State Opera and the Stuttgart Ballet during the renovation of their current venue, the Littmann Building.

The new complex will feature the Back of House area, essential for large-scale productions, offering rehearsal spaces, workshops for stage set production, offices, prop, and scenery storage, and more. Spanning three city blocks, this arrangement will cater to the diverse needs of the theater. The opera roof will also serve as the foundation for an innovative residential development, creating an elevated village with a vibrant ground level. Once the opera and ballet return to their original venue, the production spaces will be repurposed as a ‘makers city,’ contributing to the vision of establishing a mixed urban environment. This project is part of the international building exhibition IBA’27, aiming to integrate production and living spaces to foster a dynamic urban condition.

all visuals by Vivid Vision

a+r and NL Architects’ structure Maximizes Flexibility & Circular Construction

With an eye on sustainability, the architects (see more here and here) sought to consider the future use of the building right from the early planning stages, taking both ecology and economy into account. The goal is to avoid unnecessary demolition, with a structure that can anticipate its future needs, maximizing the potential for re-use and minimizing the need for recycling. The main hall, along with the stage and foyers, is crafted using wood, ensuring its full demountability. The intention is for this section of the building to be relocated after renovation, promoting a circular approach to construction. As for the remaining, they are designed with a robust skeleton constructed from CO2-reduced concrete. This design allows for a high degree of flexibility, enabling a wide range of programs and commercial uses to be accommodated in the future.

Adjacent to a former factory, a spacious square serves as an entry point to the newly established opera house. Known as Wagenhallenplatz, this urban antechamber is designed with a multi-level foyer connected by an expansive set of stairs. This architectural arrangement introduces a vertical element that contrasts with the openness of the plaza. Meanwhile, the top floor features an event space, providing extensive panoramic views of the surrounding area.

the main hall, stage, and foyers are constructed with wood, guaranteeing complete disassembly capability

Drawing inspiration from Max Littmann’s original opera house, the new structure pays homage to its predecessor through a subtle reinterpretation of the iconic column arrangement found in the Staatstheater. The façade includes an elegant replication of wooden supports, exuding a sense of rationality.

The circulation of the Back of House is designed to be spacious and intuitive. The Opera Boulevard ensures convenient access between all production areas and the stage, facilitating smooth movement in both directions. The interim opera house unfolds across the three lower floors. The desired housing aims to create a unique experience of living in the countryside within the confines of a city. As shared by the architects, a vibrant ‘village’ is established, complete with a central village square. To seamlessly connect the opera and residential areas, a continuous band of greenery is strategically incorporated throughout the entire perimeter, enabling a transition between these spaces.

the foyer is arranged over multiple levels connected by a system of generous stairs

The initial concept of the interim opera is designed to allow for its potential revival in another city. Both the auditorium and stage are envisioned as timber constructions that can be disassembled and reassembled with great care, facilitating continuous reconstruction. In the second phase, once the opera has returned to its original location and the wooden structure of the main hall has been dismantled, the resulting ‘gap’ presents an opportunity for completion. ‘Here a new ‘interface’ between the residential areas on top and the plaza below could come into being: an accessible, filigree ‘scaffolding’ overgrown by lavish greenery, a vertical pocket park that strengthens the connection between the ‘floating’ village and public square,’ describes the team.

before and after the intervention

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project info:

architects: a+r Architekten | @aplusr_architekten, NL Architects | @nl_architects

design team a+r Architekten: Alexander Lange, Oliver Braun, Chia Hao Chang, Fiona Rey, Cassandra Sauter, Anton Stuby, Stefan Hofmann

design team NL Architects: Walter van Dijk, Pieter Bannenberg, Kamiel Klaasse, Philipp Stiebler, Laura Riaño Lopez, Gen Yamamoto, David Bernatek, Aurora Olivotto, Daan van den Hende, Xinghe Guo
location: Quartier C1 Wagenhallen Stuttgart
size: GF total: 45.500 sqm, GF Housing: 8.300 sqm, GF Cultural Function: 24.800 sqm, GF Theater hall: 12.400 sqm
client: Landeshauptstadt Stuttgart Referat Wirtschaft, Finanzen und Beteiligungen (WFB) Liegenschaftsamt
competition management: Pesch Partner Architektur Stadtplanung GmbH
advisors: Kahle Acoustics (Acoustics), HHP Berlin (Fire and Safety), Koen Koch Podiumbouwadvies (Theater Consulting), Schöne Neue Welt Ingenieure GbR (Structural Engineering), Faktorgruen (Landscape Architecture)

model: Studio Lta

visualizations: Vivid Vision | @3dvividvision