The clear and modernist understated volume of the theater was built in the 1960s over the ruins of an old building from 1889, destroyed in World War II. During the restoration, the gmp bureau managed to preserve the architectural identity of the monument building: the intervention was limited to the improvement of technical systems; so the stage lighting and sound equipment were completely replaced.
In the new building of the cultural center, attached to the theater, Von Gerkan, Marg and Partners interpreted post-war modernism, continuing in it the key stylistic features and compositional logic of the architects of the 1960s. So, the modern volume is distinguished by the same modesty of simple geometry and laconic white color, large-scale glazing and characteristic details of the galleries on the ground floor with round pillars. At the same time, the architects not only copied the compositional solution of the theater, but rethought it, creating a modern building that became an organic part of its predecessor. For example, in the theater, the integrated “rotunda” of the hall creates a spectacular contrast between the closed space and the round lobby open to the outside with large vertical windows and a glazed end. The building of the cultural center, in turn, is also a rotunda, only on the contrary - absolutely transparent. Inside the aquarium-like foyer, a central cubic auditorium is inserted, in contrast to it, impenetrable. In fact, its walls are curved inside, but above the roof, the geometry of the hall is emphasized by a rectangular glazed lantern.
The compositional relationship of both buildings turns them into a single ensemble, in which the new part not only grows with the old one with the help of a curved glass transition, but literally flows out of it.
At the end of January this year, Worms celebrated the completion of a three-year construction of the cultural center and the completion of the restoration of the theater with a week-long festival. The city has received a multifunctional building, which can host several events at the same time. It has a hall with 800 seats, exhibition space and several small conference rooms with flexible layouts. Also, the new complex, together with technical rooms and an underground parking lot, is designed to serve the future hotel, which is planned to be built nearby.
N. K.
