History and modernity of the Wybrzeże Theatre
One of the most important theaters in Poland has undergone modernization, the aim of which was to refresh the appearance of the historical building and provide comfortable conditions for actors and spectators. Used in the representative part of the theater, Rockfon Mono Acoustic provides excellent acoustics and aesthetics in the foyer, co-creating a unique theatrical experience.
The Wybrzeże Theatre in Gdańsk is a building with a rich history, which after years of use, lost its values in terms of safety, comfort and aesthetics and required major modernization. The aim was to preserve the original function of the building without disturbing its architectural form designed by Lech Kadłubowski and Daniel Olędzki in 1967. The general renovation included a wide range of works, including the reconstruction of the façade, foyer, auditorium, replacement of installations and stage mechanics. The interior design of the foyer and the auditorium of the Large Stage building was prepared by WAPA under the leadership of architect Krzysztof Kozłowski, PhD, Eng.
Aesthetics and acoustic comfort of the foyer
After the modernization, the Wybrzeże Theatre became a modern facility, subordinated to its function and adapted to the needs of viewers and artists. The building has retained its classic form. The new glazed façade, from the side of the Coal Market, impresses with the aesthetics of the project and allows passers-by to look deep into the modern foyer. The interior of the foyer has been enlarged and brightened. An impressive staircase leading to the first floor and magnificent chandeliers that adorn this space have been installed here. The colours, including the characteristic blood red and gold, harmonize with the unique décor and help create the atmosphere.
Adam Orzechowski, Director of the Wybrzeże Theatre in Gdańsk, explains why the aesthetics and acoustic qualities of the foyer were very important to him: "The foyer is a space welcoming the audience, vibrant with life during the breaks of performances. It happens that we organize special events here, and even start some performances. We wanted this interior not to be flashy, so that the colours would invite viewers and help them maintain an optimal level of concentration, and at the same time testify to abundance. Before the modernization, we had a lot of reverberation here, during breaks there was a noise that floated throughout the spaces. Now everything is muted. The foyer meets acoustic parameters, is comfortable and representative."
Flexibility, aesthetics and acoustic comfort
Modern interior architecture, characterized by a monolithic style, required coherent and expressive surfaces. The designers were looking for a solution that, in addition to the aesthetic form, would also offer excellent acoustic properties, comfort and flexibility. The WAPA team chose the Rockfon® Mono® Acoustic solution, which surface has no visible joints between the panels, ensuring it a minimalist and monolithic look. This solution is characterized by the highest class A sound absorption, eliminating the need for additional sound-absorbing materials.
Krzysztof Kozłowski, the owner of the Sopot design office WAPA, the main architect responsible for the modernization of the building of the Large Stage of the Wybrzeże Theatre, explains: "In terms of acoustics, the foyer space had to be adapted to the new spatial structure and obtain appropriate aesthetic values consisting in the use of smooth and uniform ceiling and wall surfaces. Rockfon Mono Acoustic gives designers and contractors just these possibilities of obtaining a surface without any divisions while at the same time having a very good sound absorption parameter."
Perfect installation
Rockfon Mono Acoustic was installed in the Theatre by a Rockfon Mono Certified Installer – THELIO Sp. z o.o. The acoustic solution used on the ceiling and walls of the foyer was mounted on various levels. The challenge was the diagonal assembly. The placement of slotted diffusers in this part required a perfect connection of Mono Acoustic panels, not only to preserve the aesthetics of the surface, but also to maintain excellent acoustics. The glass skylight, in turn, required the preparation of a special workshop project, the implementation of which took place in cooperation and very good coordination between the contractor of the facility – Budimex and Thelio, and in consultation with Rockfon representatives.
The owner of the Mono Certified Installer company, Ireneusz Kazatel, said about the project: "The decoration of the foyer are beautiful chandeliers. To emphasize their oval shape and for installation reasons, we made a two-level ceiling, which gave the design even more clarity. Rockfon Mono Acoustic is ideal for such applications, as it can be freely shaped. Made of stone wool, it easily adapts to the form, and at the same time ensures excellent acoustic conditions in the room. That is why we usually install them in representative places, such as the foyer of the Wybrzeże Theatre".
