In the 19th century, it was at this railway station in the city of Saint-Nazaire at the mouth of the Loire that passengers of transatlantic flights arrived from Paris. But during the Second World War, the area was badly damaged by bombing and gradually turned into a dull industrial zone.
The new modern theater has become part of large-scale plans for the reconstruction of this entire area. Karin Ehrman and Jérôme Sigwalt of K-architectures renovated two entrance pavilions from the 1860s, connected by an arcade - the only remaining part of the station building. They housed administrative offices and ticket offices.
Behind the left, eastern pavilion rises the volume of the theater itself. It is interesting that from some points it is practically invisible and does not violate the holistic perception of historical architecture. Large blocks of light, almost white concrete were chosen as the main material. This material is the best match for the surrounding buildings. Some of these blocks, monolithic, were cast on the spot. Others, custom-made at the factory, have an in-depth floral pattern copied from 17th century French fabrics. Moreover, in some places it cuts right through the concrete, so that the surface becomes literally "laced". The theme is continued in the design of the foyer - through the perforated railings of the stairs made of golden metal.
The solution of the facades was repeated on the inner walls of the hall, which can accommodate 900 people - 550 seats in the parterre (110 of them are installed additionally in the place of the orchestra pit) and 350 on the balcony. The carved white walls are effectively combined with the red velvet chosen by the architects for the armchairs: it is both a tribute to tradition and an attempt to add status to the interior.
Actually, the whole project is built on a combination of opposites: rough concrete and fine precious carvings, chopped surfaces and exquisite fabrics. As a result, the building and its interior become a real theatrical decoration themselves.
L. M.
