Théâtre Nanterre-Amandiers Renovation
In October 2018, the City Council of Nanterre announced Snøhetta as the winner of the ambitious renovation project of the avant-gardist national theatre, Théâtre Nanterre-Amandiers. The renovation will give new life to the building and the theatre itself by improving the overall visitor experience and the working conditions for artists and staff.
Situated in the in the commune of Nanterre, the Théâtre Nanterre-Amandiers has been breaking down boundaries between artists and their audiences ever since the theatre was established in the late 1960’s. The theatre is known for its high-quality performances and openness to the rest of world which attracts some of the most prestigious artists and theatre directors.
“To work with this cutting-edge theatre is an honor. We are deeply committed to follow the great past and present of the Théâtre Nanterre-Amandiers, whilst responsibility carrying its tradition into the future”, says Founding Partner of Snøhetta, Kjetil Trædal Thorsen.
The architectural renovation is led by Snøhetta and supported by collaborators SRA Architectes, theatre consultant Kanju, Khephren, Egis, Elioth, SDAP and SLETEC.
The renovation started in June 2021 with completion estimated for April 2023.
Besides improving the artistic and architectural features of the building, the renovation will also ensure that the building complies with current standards in terms of accessibility, security and sustainability.
Snøhetta’s design seeks to accommodate the theatre’s experimental profile by creating a flexible and transformable space that ties the building closer with its urban environment while also making it more visible from the outside and more luminous on the inside. The theatre will also become easier to access – both by foot though the adjacent André Malraux park and thanks to the future extension of the tramway line.
The design also comprises an extension of the current facilities by adding a third 200-seat theatre to the current 800-seat building. The existing restaurant and bookshop will also be reorganized to improve the overall experience for both spectators, artists and staff.
The specific features of the Nanterre-Amandiers site will help enhance the qualities of the current outdoor theatre, the adjacent décor workshop and will facilitate the establishment of a new entry at two levels.
