Distinguished at the Thirteenth World Triennial of Architecture “Interarch 2012”

 

I. Site & Context

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This project proposes the development of a new, landmark Opera and Ballet Theatre for Batumi, Georgia. The site selection is a strategic response to the city's significant emergence as a primary cultural, economic and tourism hub on the Black Sea coast.

Positioned adjacent to the expansive new boulevard, the project occupies a largely undeveloped district. This prominent, open setting affords the structure complete 360-degree visibility, establishing it as a singular sculptural object within the urban landscape. A network of circumferential pathways ensures the building can be approached and perceived "in-the-round" from a multitude of dynamic viewpoints.

 

II. Architectural Concept & Form

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The building's external form is generated by the dynamic symbiosis of two contrasting architectural vocabularies: a primary, crystalline, glazed ellipsoid volume (the "interior") is enveloped and intersected by a powerful, opaque outer shell (the "exterior").

This outer structure is articulated as a series of inclined, intersecting, disc-like strata. These sweeping bands define the theatre's architectural character while serving a crucial, multi-faceted role. Beyond their aesthetic contribution, they function as a structural exoskeleton, reinforcing the primary volume. Concurrently, they act as a sophisticated brise-soleil, providing passive solar shading to the glazed membrane within. Select sections of these external strata are programmed as open-air terraces, offering panoramic vistas.

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III. Interior & Auditorium

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Internally, the 1810-seat auditorium eschews traditional ornamentation, prioritizing acoustic performance and spatial fluidity. Its character is defined by the seamless, biomorphic integration of wall and balcony surfaces, which wrap the audience in a continuous, acoustically-tuned environment.

The ceiling treatment further enhances this immersive quality. Rejecting a singular, central chandelier, it features a vast constellation of randomly dispersed luminaires, designed to emulate the profound visual effect of a celestial vault.

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IV. Structural System

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The building's structural design is a hybrid system. The internal programmatic volumes are constructed upon a conventional reinforced concrete frame. This core is then enclosed within the unified, large-span elliptic shell, which has principal dimensions of 148m (A-axis), 80m (B-axis), and 46m (Height).

This external envelope is structurally classified as a meridian (rhombic) double-belted mesh membrane. It is anchored to the subterranean foundation walls and gains its rigidity from the intersecting system of external elliptic "belts." Each belt, featuring a parabolic cross-section with a maximum height of 3m, functions as an elliptic console. Intersecting across the building's perimeter, these elements form a cohesive and self-supporting structural exoskeleton.

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V. Programmatic Distribution

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The theatre's complex program is distributed across eight levels, including two subterranean floors.

·         Public & Performance (Ground Floor): This level serves as the primary public interface, housing the main foyer, cloakrooms, and access to the auditorium. All primary performance areas, including the stage, fly tower, soloist changing rooms, and immediate theatrical workshops, are consolidated here.

·         Back-of-House & Support (Levels -1, +1, +2, +3): Additional workshops and technical support spaces occupy the lower levels. Level +3 is a dedicated artists' zone, accommodating dressing and changing rooms for the opera and ballet soloists, orchestra, and choir, as well as extensive costume and shoe storage.

·         Rehearsal & Administration (Levels +4, +5): The upper floors are dedicated to preparation and management. Level +4 houses all major rehearsal facilities—including dedicated spaces for the orchestra, choir and ballet, plus a full-size rehearsal stage. The 5th floor contains the administrative offices and archives.