drozdov&partners uses titanium zinc and recycled bricks to clad theater in kiev

drozdov&partners has completed the renovation of ‘teatr na podoli’ – a drama theater located in the ukranian capital of kiev. the construction of a new building on the site initially began in the 1990s. it was however abandoned and remained so until this recent intervention. the new project sees the ‘functional’ and ‘exclusive’ character of the previous architecture transformed into a contemporary public place, situated in the heart of the city. 

all images © andrey avdeenko

the new intervention by drozdov&partners almost completely changes the existing layout of the theater. the scheme is designed to simplify spaces and afford ease of use, while also promoting better interaction between the building itself, visitors, and the city. on the main façade, a large opening punctuates the middle of the front elevation, inviting people in from the street and forming a direct dialogue between the two environments. 

upon entering, a generous lobby space greets people as they arrive, enveloping them in a cool interior of exposed concrete walls, columns and ceilings. the large theater volume has been retained from the previous building, but it has been freshly decorated in dark blue and panels of wood. this interior provides a continuous atmosphere from the foyer and circulation spaces, yet adds a touch of warmth with the use of timber, welcoming spectators to sit back and enjoy a show. 

the exterior of the building is characterized by the use of titanium zinc and recycled bricks to create the new façade. the brick volume communicates with the surrounding buildings in scale and apertures which articulate the elevation, mimicking the repetition of window elements on the older structures. the metal volume rises above the brick yet takes an intentional step back from the street, making it appear less prominent. by doing this, drozdov&partners has considered the site context to form a respectful intervention while still incorporating contemporary aspects to breath new life into the theater.

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project info:

project name: ‘teatr na podoli’

project type: drama theatre

location: kiev, ukraine

architect: drozdov&partners

design team: oleg drozdov, vyacheslav zhemir, hanna kosharna, oleksandr kuznetsov, vitaliy pravyk, tymofii ulanchenko, oksana chebina

area: 29,063 ft2 (2,700 m2)

completion year: 2017

photography: andrey avdeenko

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom