Théatre National Populaire TNP, Villeurbanne, France

Object Type
Theatres

Architects
Fabre Speller Architectes, Clermont-Ferrand, France
Studio di Architettura Arassociati, Milan, Italy

Completion
2011

Expertises
Room Acoustics
Building Acoustics

Founded in Paris in 1920, the Théatre National Populaire TNP is one of the most important drama theaters in France; in 1972, it moved into a new building in Villeurbanne. In the course of the restoration measures started in 2007, at first a small experimental theater was built, the so-called “Petit Théatre“ seating 252, which also served as a temporary venue during the construction works. The TNP‘s “Grande Salle“ seating 667 saw an extensive refurbishment and acoustic improvement; in this connection, the stage size and height were considerably increased and state-of-the-art stage technology was installed.

After the renovation, the trapezoidal auditorium continues to be steeply raked, thus ensuring the best possible sightlines as well as a perfect direct sound transmission. Structured and sound-reflecting wall claddings as well as wooden ceiling reflectors create an outstanding speech intelligibility. Moreover, absorbers mounted on the upper walls and the ceiling area provide the required attenuation for the drama theater‘s extraordinarily large volume of 10 m³ per person. The front rows of audience seats as well as the adjoining proscenium areas are movable so that actors may also perform very closely to the audience on the extended proscenium. There is no traditional stage portal at the TNP so that directors enjoy a high degree of artistic flexibility for all kinds of productions.

Image Copyright
1 MBBM-BSO
2 MBBM-BSO