One of the most important theaters in Poland, the Wybrzeze Theater in Gdansk, has undergone a modernization aimed not only at refreshing the appearance of this historic building, but also at providing optimal working conditions for actors and comfortable viewing of performances for the audience. Thanks to the Rockfon Mono Acoustic solution, the theater's foyer gained excellent acoustics and an aesthetically pleasing appearance, co-creating a unique theater experience.
© Rockfon
The Wybrzeze Theater in Gdansk is a building with a rich history that, after years of use, had lost its qualities in terms of safety, comfort and aesthetics and was in need of serious modernization. Due to its historic status, the work was overseen by a conservationist. The goal was to preserve the original function of the building without compromising its architectural form designed by Lech Kadlubowski and Daniel Oledzki in 1967. The general renovation included a wide range of works, including the reconstruction of the facade, foyer, auditorium, replacement of installations and stage mechanics. The interior design of the foyer and auditorium of the Main Stage building was prepared by the Workshop of Architecture Pracownia Autorska (WAPA) under the direction of Dr. Krzysztof Kozłowski, architect.
Glazing opened up the foyer
After the modernization, the Wybrzeze Theater became a modern facility, subordinated to its function and adapted to the needs of audiences and artists. The building has retained its classic bourgeois form. The new glass façade, on the side of the Coal Market, impresses with its design aesthetics and allows passersby to look into the modern foyer. The interior of the foyer has been enlarged and brightened. A striking staircase leading to the first floor has been installed, as well as a magnificent chandelier, which is the main decoration of this space. The color scheme, including the distinctive blood red and gold, harmonizes with the unique decor and helps create an atmosphere.
© Rockfon
Adam Orzechowski, Director of the Wybrzeże Theater in Gdansk, explains why the aesthetics and acoustic qualities of the foyer were very important according to him: The foyer is a space that welcomes audiences, bustling with life during the breaks of performances. Sometimes we hold special events here, and even open some performances. We wanted this interior not to be garish, so that the colors would invite the audience and help them maintain an optimal level of focus, while at the same time indicating affluence. Before the modernization, we had a lot of reverberation here, and during breaks a noise was created that floated throughout the space. Now everything is muted. The foyer meets acoustic parameters, is comfortable and presentable.
Distinct planes and clear sounds
Modern interior architecture, characterized by a monolithic style, required consistent and distinct planes. The designers were looking for a solution that, in addition to aesthetic form, would also offer excellent acoustic properties, comfort and flexibility. The WAPA studio team chose the Rockfon Mono Acoustic solution, whose surface has no visible joints between the panels, giving it a minimalist and monolithic appearance. The solution features the highest Class A sound absorption rating, eliminating the need for additional sound-absorbing materials.
© Rockfon
As explained by Krzysztof Kozlowski, Ph.D., owner of the Sopot-based design studio Warsztat Architektury Pracownia Autorska, the chief architect responsible for the modernization of the building of the Large Stage of the Wybrzeze Theater: In terms of acoustics, the foyer space had to be adapted to the new spatial structure and to achieve the appropriate aesthetic qualities consisting in the use of smooth and uniform surfaces of the ceiling and walls. Rockfon Mono Acoustic gives designers and contractors just these possibilities to obtain a surface without any divisions while providing a very good sound absorption parameter.
Perfect installation
Rockfon Mono Acoustic was installed at the Theater by a Rockfon-certified contractor, THELIO Ltd. Used on the ceiling and foyer walls, the acoustic solution was installed on various planes, including an arc. The challenge was the installation at the slot diffusers, which required perfect joints of the Mono panels, not only to maintain the aesthetics of the surface, but also excellent acoustics. The glass skylight, on the other hand, required a special workshop design, which the Greekdom designer created in close cooperation with Rockfon representatives.
© Rockfon
The owner of the contracting company, Ireneusz Kazatel talked about the project this way: The ornament of the foyer is a beautiful chandelier. In order to hang it, we had to make circular recesses in the Mono Acoustic panels, in which the fixing cables for the chandelier were placed. This acoustic solution is ideal for such applications, as it can be shaped as desired. Made of rock wool, it easily adapts to the form, while ensuring excellent acoustic conditions in the room. That's why we usually install them in representative places like the foyer of the Wybrzeze Theater.
The modernization of the Wybrzeze Theater in Gdansk has made it more elegant, modern and, above all, more comfortable for both audiences and artists. By eliminating balconies and using overhangs, space for 342 seats with excellent visibility of the stage was obtained. The stage was equipped with solutions that allow dynamic and precise movement and rotation of each element of the stage. The system includes a lightweight rotating stage, consisting of 6 elements, which is an integral part of the stage collapse. This is a unique solution not only on a national scale, but probably also on a European scale.
© Rockfon
