Cyprus National Theatre
Republic of Cyprus
Seat Count: 550 (Lyric Theatre), 150 (Studio)
Opening: 2008
Architect: Kohn Pederson Fox
Theatre Consultants: Theatre Projects
AD Scope: Acoustics, Auditorium Design
Kohn Pedersen Fox (London) in association with D. Kythreotis & Associates (Nicosia) won the international competition for the National Theatre of Cyprus. The design integrates a new theatre and public park with outdoor performances in the park using the theatre foyer as a multi-level stage.
The dramatic form of the 550 seat lyric theatre, the centrepiece of the composition, is a direct expression of its internal geometry. The organically shaped auditorium, on three levels, maximizes contact between performer and audience with inclined horseshoe balconies.
Acoustic Dimensions provided both acoustic and audio design for the project. "Acoustically, our solution supports what the architect is achieving visually," explained Nicholas Edwards, principal of AD. "The concrete structure utilizes columns curved in harmony with the ellipsoidal shape of the auditorium which is also expressed in the form of balcony fronts. The concrete columns scatter the sound making them a secondary sound source." This acoustical scattering helps to make speech intelligible even when the performer faces across stage and some of the audience seated are effectively behind the performer.
To minimize late sound, the wall surfaces between the columns are finished primarily with sound absorptive material. "But we didn't want the space to be acoustically dead," continued Edwards. "A certain amount of 'liveness' is needed to make the room sparkle, so we covered the absorptive material with wooden slats to maintain some of the reflectivity."
In addition to the theatre, the design team is working on a galleried 150-seat studio theatre which will allow performances to extend into the adjacent garden space.
