Theater am Werk
Renovation and redesign of two theater venues Petersplatz and Kabelwerk
including the transformation of the foyer into an urban interior square
Participatory planning and realisation
In October 2023, the new Theater am Werk will open its old doors with a new face of both venues (Petersplatz, Innere Stadt & Kabelwerk, Meidling). The two houses will be more closely linked, not only in relation to the future program, but also through the remodelling of the foyers with a refreshed look.
“Theater am Werk consists of two venues, Petersplatz and Kabelwerk, two venues that couldn’t be more different: An old Viennese cellar pub in the inner city and a newly built theater center in the middle of an urban development area not long ago. Two special places whose programs are to intertwine in the future.” (Text: Theater am Werk)
Gabu Heindl Architektur provided support in all phases of the project: Starting with the evaluation of requirements & needs of all stakeholders, through support with the submission, to participatory planning and execution together with the entire team.
KABELWERK CONCEPT
“In the Kabelwerk, a place that has also grown with the development of the urban area, in addition to the artistic program, there should above all be space for dialogue with the city. Interaction with the city’s residents will be intensified and expanded.” (Text: Theater am Werk)
In order to spatially organize the aforementioned dialogue with the city and its population, the idea from the beginning was to create a small urban square around which the required spatial program would be arranged. It was also crucial to dismantle existing barriers, including the furniture, in order to open up the space to all and make it more accessible. However, most of the original material was recycled and reused for creating the new furniture.
Greenery was one of the team’s main objectives: The pre-existing plants were allowed to move up to the living room in front of the hall up above, in exchange a tree almost five meters tall now embellishes the middle of the square. Even on top of the new furniture, greenery can be planted along the lattice walls.
Client Theater am Werk
Planning & realization 2023
Planning team Gabu Heindl, Birgit Miksch, Hannah Niemand, Elena Mali
Photos Theater am Werk
Credits We would like to thank the entire Theater am Werk team for their excellent and pleasant cooperation, with special thanks to artistic director Esther Holland-Merten and the two technical directors Stefan Enderle (Kabelwerk) and Harald Godula (Petersplatz).
We would also like to thank the two carpentry companies MachwerkWien (Kabelwerk) and Aufgemoebelt (Petersplatz) without whose quick and flexible cooperation the realization of the project would not have been possible!
CONCEPT PETERSPLATZ
“At Petersplatz, a place with a rich tradition that has always nurtured the new in the midst of museums and art tradition, space will also be given to the new generation. In cooperation with Austrian art universities, among others, this place seeks the creative sprawl rarely found in the inner city.” (Text: Theater am Werk)
The Theater am Werk Petersplatz was looking to rid itself of old garage flair and create more of a theater feel. It was completely emptied of its clutter, the staircase from the jazz cellar days in the auditorium were uncovered and the entrance hall and foyer received a fresh coat of paint for the bare walls.
The idea of the stage is to be broadened so that the entire venue becomes an extended stage room. This means that all spaces are used during a play and must therefore be able to perform more functions than a simple foyer. The lighting also plays an essential role and must be as adaptable as practically to the needs of the team.
