Theateradvies and Cepezed win prestigious design award for Theater 't Speelhuis!

June 16th, 2014

Theateradvies and Cepezed are awarded at the International Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference in London with the runner-up prize for Theatre ’t Speelhuis in Helmond, the Netherlands. This prestigious design award was issued on June 9, 2014 by the STC, the International Society of Theatre Consultants.

Once every four years the STC presents the Practical Excellence in Design Award. This distinguished international award is given to a building for the performing arts that, in the opinion of the panel of independent judges, has achieved the elusive combination of a welcoming environment for the audience, an excellent auditorium for the artist to engage with the audience and outstanding technical facilities.

The theatre in the Church of Our Lady in Helmond replaces the previously burnt theatre. Initially for 5-10 years, but now, thanks to the enormous success the city council decided that the theatre remains in the church permanently. Because of the initial temporary use of the church only minimal changes were allowed, so the monument could stay intact as much as possible. Therefore, the seating, the balcony, the stage and the construction for the power flying system were placed in the church as separate elements.

Not only the international jury, but also the audience and the performers are almost exclusively positive about the theatre: "The fantastic acoustics, comfortable chairs, good view on the stage and the special environment. It's so amazing what they have done here. They are really crazy if they want to build a new theatre. "

Other nominated theatres includes the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in England, the MAC in Northern Ireland, the Royal Opera House in Oman, and the Music Theater am Volksgarten in Austria. The Stavanger Concert House in Norway won the 1st prize.