‘théâtre of saint-nazaire’ by k-architectures, saint-nazaire, france image © patrick miara all images courtesy of k-architectures

paris-based k-architectures have recently completed the ‘théâtre of saint-nazaire’ in saint-nazaire, france, adjacent to remnants of a neoclassical train station destroyed in world war II. the monolithic forms takes cues from a nearby bunker and the concrete surface is stamped with a perforated floral pattern derived from motifs of 17th century silk textiles. at night, a soft glow emanates through the 11.5 meter tall walls, breaking down the appearance of the exterior’s massing. a main auditorium is placed within the concrete building and flanked by the hall, rehearsal area, dressing room. the facades enclosing these spaces are chestnut planks which evoke the stacks of racking found on industrial sites and processes.

the station’s arcades mark the entry, including restored pavilions which retain the scars of their war-ridden past and abandonment. the western pavilion displays ten panels from a retired french ocean liner on its walls.

k architectures: théâtre of saint nazaire approach to theaterimage © patrick miara

k architectures: théâtre of saint nazaire monolithic concrete exterior is adorned with a floral pattern images © luc boegly

k architectures: théâtre of saint nazaire the perforations to the concrete facade mimic a 17th century silk textile image © luc boegly

k architectures: théâtre of saint nazaire the building is attached to remnants of a neoclassical train stationimage © patrick miara

k architectures: théâtre of saint nazaire (left) image © luc boegly (right) image © patrick miara

k architectures: théâtre of saint nazaire image © luc boegly

k architectures: théâtre of saint nazaire image © luc boegly

k architectures: théâtre of saint nazaire chestnut cladding encloise the support spaces flanking the main auditorium image © luc boegly

k architectures: théâtre of saint nazaire images © luc boegly

k architectures: théâtre of saint nazaire staircases and mezzanines are bordered with perforated railings image © luc boegly

k architectures: théâtre of saint nazaire west pavilion displays ten panels from a retired french ocean liner image © luc boegly

k architectures: théâtre of saint nazaire auditorium image © luc boegly

k architectures: théâtre of saint nazaire (left) image © patrick miara (right) image © luc boegly

k architectures: théâtre of saint nazaire image © patrick miara

k architectures: théâtre of saint nazaire image © luc boegly

k architectures: théâtre of saint nazaire images © luc boegly

k architectures: théâtre of saint nazaire a soft glow emanates through the facade at night image © luc boegly

k architectures: théâtre of saint nazaire floor plan / level 0, 2

k architectures: théâtre of saint nazaire section

k architectures: théâtre of saint nazaire plan relief