Renovation of listed monument into a cultural centre
Project type: Realisation
Commissioned by: Municipality Haarlemmermeer
Location: Hoofddorp, NL
Date: 2004-2006
The Oude Raadhuis Theatre is a small intimate theatre, created in the former city hall of Hoofddorp in the 80ies. Negligence and the ad hoc character threatened the existence of theatre and building.
Having won an architects selection lehner gunther had developed a plan to refurbish and restore this former city hall of Haarlemmermeer dating from 1860s.
The design brings spaciousness, light and openness into this neglected monumental building with respect for detail and tactile use of materials. Generous stairs stimulate the public play of seeing and being seen and introduce grandeur to this abandoned jewel.
The building has now become a multifunctional centre for the arts that facilitates plays, concerts, receptions, weddings, visual arts, events and a café-restaurant. An ingenious setup for circulation enables simultaneous programming of different building parts.