In the spring of 2004, Paul de Ruiter Architects was commissioned to design a theatre in the Southeast district of Amsterdam. The Bijlmerpark Theatre was to be a multifunctional centre for four regular tenants: Circus Elleboog, Krater Theatre, the Youth Theatre School and the Theatre Workplace.
The urban development plan of the neighbourhood stipulated that the Bijlmerpark Theatre was to be located at the heart of the Bijlmer, adjacent to the Bijlmerpark and the new Anton de Komplein. By virtue of its location, the theatre stimulates the cultural and socio-economic developments in the surrounding area. It also establishes the starting point of a new cultural axis that connects the various cultural facilities of the outdoor entertainment centre ArenAPoort.
The building has a distinctive elliptical shape, and the upper floors are slightly displaced in relation to the floor below. This cantilever creates a covered entrance area. The shape of the building meant we had to find a financially viable way to reproduce this rounded form in the façade, which is partly made of glass. We found the solution by combining vertical wooden slats with corrugated steel.
The client emphasised the need for daylight in the main hall. Classes and rehearsals would take place here during the day, and a decent amount of daylight is of great importance for the atmosphere and sense of orientation. To this end, we created a glass surround on the first floor that runs all around the main hall. This solution lets in a maximal amount of light and allows parents and other interested parties to watch lessons and rehearsals unobtrusively. These windows can be darkened to keep out daylight during performances.
| Gross floor area | 2,010 m² |
| Project description | Cultural building for theatre and circus performances, with studio's and offices |
| Start of design | January 2005 |
| Start of construction | March 2007 |
| Completion | March 2009 |
| Location | Anton de Komplein, Amsterdam |
| Client | Gemeente Amsterdam, Stadsdeel Zuidoost |
| Users | Circus Elleboog, Jeugdtheaterschool Zuidoost, Theater Werkplaats Zuidoost, Krater Theater |
| Project architect | Paul de Ruiter |
| Project team | Roel Rutgers, Willem Jan Landman, Dieter Blok |
| Construction consultant | Arup |
| Installations | Halmos |
| Urban planning | Rein Geurtsen & Partners bv bureau voor stadsontwerp & Mecanoo |
| Contractor | Bouwbedrijf M.J. de Nijs en zn. |
| Acoustics consultant | DHV-Dorsser Blesgraaf |
| Cost consultant | Bouwhavens Consultants |
| Photography | Pieter Kers |
