Curve Theatre.

The Curve Theatre is not only a flagship regeneration project but also a radical advance in theatre design, which had the potential to cause major engineering challenges. We worked with architect Rafael Viñoly to solve these problems while maintaining efficiency throughout the project cycle.

Location

Leicester, UK

Client

Leicester City Council / Leicester Theatre Trust

Architect

Rafael Viñoly Architects

Project Value

£61 million

Floor Area

12,920 m²

Status

completed 2008

Expertise

Structures

Core to the unique vision of this scheme was enhancing public awareness of how theatres work. Stage, backstage and rehearsal spaces are all visible, providing exclusive insight into the performance process.

At the heart of the seven-storey building are two auditoria, seating 350 and 750 people. Connected by a shared stage, these can be completely isolated from each other by a system of mechanised shutters and acoustic screens, or opened to become a theatre-in-the-round.

Four concrete cores support the massive 3,000 m² roof structure, comprising a grid of eight trusses, each up to 90 m long and deep enough to accommodate plant, rehearsal rooms and technical facilities.

Steel was chosen for the roof structure because it can be analysed with a high degree of certainty, vital in such a complex design. We examined structural deformities under various loading scenarios, critical to achieving the tight tolerances required for both façade and shutters.

Fixed via large sliding bearings to the cores and cantilevering up to 15 m, the trusses are connected at the ends by a perimeter truss. From this hangs the louvred, glazed façade which descends to within 4 m of ground level, fixed to 20 perimeter hanging columns. At ground level, a minimal glazed wall provides unobstructed views of the activity inside.

The theatre was designed with minimal temporary works during construction, keeping costs as low as possible. For example, roof trusses were delivered to site in 25 m lengths and erected in precise sequence, requiring only one temporary trestle.

Awards.

2009 LDSA Built-in Quality Awards – Highly Commended

2009 Structural Steel Design Award – Finalist

2009 IStructE Award – Shortlisted

2009 RIBA Award

2010 International Architecture Award