A theatre full of feelings and life
We designed the interior for the new theatre spaces, located in Silkkitehdas, Tikkurila, Vantaa. The theatre was constructed into an old silk factory building to serve as a home for two uniquely different theatre troupes - Teatteri Vantaa, a cultured dramatic acting company, and Tanssiteatteri Raatikko, a modern dance- and children's troupe. Our task was to find middle ground between them and create a space that would work for both of them - atmospheric and sophisticated for adults, yet playful and intriguing for kids, while always inviting and warm for everyone.
Teatteri Vantaa & Tanssiteatteri Raatikko
Vantaa, Finland
2
Over 400
Old 1930's silk factory
From kindergarteners to senior citizens
Our aim was to create an atmospheric and memorable place for theatergoers, layered with history and modernity. The two award-winning theatres had been founded in the 70's and 80's and always had their own space, so this was a big change for them. The interior was designed to last years of heavy use. The copper surface of the bar forms a beautiful patina over time. The old frescos from the previous theater were salvaged and repurposed as artwork. The wall displays can showcase new and old shows.
As the two theatres are quite different, the theatre interior needed to be versatile, as the clientele and shows vary a lot even during the same day. Typical customers include everybody from groups of kindergarteners or senior citizens, to couples on date nights. Our challenge was to accomodate these differing needs, without offputing the other. We designed colour-coordinated carpets for herding children that fit in with the grown-up bar and cafe environment. The space had to be intuitive, seamless and accessible, so signage and graphics plays a big role. Above it all lies the light element with the motto that both theatres can share - Feel / Dance / Feel / Theatre.
Photos by Esa Kapila
