‘tenerife centre of dramatic arts’ by gpy arquitectos in tenerife, spain image courtesy gpy arquitectos

‘tenerife centre of dramatic arts’ by spanish firm gpy arquitectos is a multi-level cultural and educational facility located on the island of tenerife, spain. conceived to directly interact with the backdrop of the city and surrounding landscape, the design features a large ‘urban stage’ that creates an artificial topography of zigzagging platforms and ramps.

gpy arquitectos: tenerife centre of dramatic arts view of ‘urban stage’ image courtesy gpy arquitectos

arranged in a tiered motion, the structure puts at its center the sheltered auditorium which opens up directly towards the city. the surface is folded and creased by a system of ramps, creating a series of oblique angles that gradually collect to one side of the stage. sculptural and graphic, this pleated pathway serves as the backbone for the pedestrian route throughout the building. the open air nature of the space transforms the public area into a buffer zone which straddles the line between indoor and outdoor as well as public and private.

gpy arquitectos: tenerife centre of dramatic arts ramps image courtesy gpy arquitectos

intended to be flexible and neutral, the central auditorium can be transfigured to suit the needs of a variety of uses and functions. the terraced steps may serve as the literal stage of a production or the stands on which spectators observe the show. with a large aperture towards the city, the design presents itself as a platform to the public.

gpy arquitectos: tenerife centre of dramatic arts image courtesy manuel gonzalez

gpy arquitectos: tenerife centre of dramatic arts entrance image courtesy gpy arquitectos

gpy arquitectos: tenerife centre of dramatic arts ramps going underground image courtesy gpy arquitectos

gpy arquitectos: tenerife centre of dramatic arts towards the city image courtesy gpy arquitectos

gpy arquitectos: tenerife centre of dramatic arts exterior view from outdoor plaza image courtesy gpy arquitectos

gpy arquitectos: tenerife centre of dramatic arts structural stilt image courtesy gpy arquitectos

gpy arquitectos: tenerife centre of dramatic arts roof top terrace and open-air stage image courtesy manuel gonzalez

gpy arquitectos: tenerife centre of dramatic arts indoor rooms image courtesy gpy arquitectos

gpy arquitectos: tenerife centre of dramatic arts open auditorium in use image courtesy gpy arquitectos

gpy arquitectos: tenerife centre of dramatic arts floor plan / level -1 (a) theatre hall (b) concert hall / existing building (c) stage entrance

gpy arquitectos: tenerife centre of dramatic arts floor plan / level +2 (a) rehearsal room (b) seminar room (c) teachers’ room

gpy arquitectos: tenerife centre of dramatic arts roof plan (a) upper entrance (b) terrace / open-air stage

gpy arquitectos: tenerife centre of dramatic arts section