Lyric Theatre Belfast / O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects

Lyric Theatre Belfast / O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects - Facade, WindowsLyric Theatre Belfast / O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects - Windows, FacadeLyric Theatre Belfast / O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects - Windows, Brick, FacadeLyric Theatre Belfast / O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects - Windows, BeamLyric Theatre Belfast / O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects - More Images+ 27

Text description provided by the architects. The Lyric Theatre stands on a sloping site at triangular junction between the grid pattern of Belfast's brick street scape and the serpentine parkland of the River Lagan. The architectural design was developed in response to the urban and landscape conditions of the site. The building site was tightly restricted and irregular in shape. The budget was strictly limited. All the building materials are selected to endure and crafted to weather with age.

Lyric Theatre Belfast / O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects - Stairs, Handrail
©  Dennis Gilbert

The new building replaces a substandard structure built in the 1960s. The building is the result of an open architectural competition held in May 2003, and eight years immersion in the complex process of briefing, design, fund-raising, demolition and construction.

Lyric Theatre Belfast / O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects - Chair
©  Dennis Gilbert

The skyline displays the principal elements of a producing theatre, mainly solid volumes closed to view. Transparent social spaces flow around the fixed forms of Auditorium, Studio and Rehearsal. Three acoustically isolated brick boxes stand in the circulatory system like rocks in a stream. There are three different points of entry, one for trucks and two for people, all tied to existing street levels.

Lyric Theatre Belfast / O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects - Table, Windows, Chair, Beam
©  Dennis Gilbert

The Auditorium is a single parabolic rake, running counter to the slope of the site, with services in the undercroft. The spatial scheme maximises sightlines and generates intimacy, with the feeling that the actors are in the same room as the audience. The seating layout is creased along a line between two entrance lobbies.

Lyric Theatre Belfast / O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects - Windows, Beam
©  Dennis Gilbert

The timber floor folds slightly in plan and section, like an open hand, to hold the body of the audience together, focused on the stage and within sight of each other. The faceted timber lining is tailored to accommodate the sometimes conflicting requirements of stage-lighting, sightlines and audience acoustics.

The Studio is a 6 meter high brick-lined "empty space". Its flexible layout provides for end-stage, thrust, traverse, in-the-round, cabaret and promenade performance possibilities. The Studio has a picture window with a sliding shutter to allow for occasional visual communication between street and theatre activities.

Lyric Theatre Belfast / O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects - Image 12 of 32
©  Dennis Gilbert

The Rehearsal room dimensions are related to the main stage and studio. The room is located upstairs over the Bar, roof-lit with river views through the treetops. This acoustics of this room allow for recital and readings.

Lyric Theatre Belfast / O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects - Beam
©  Dennis Gilbert

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Project location

Address:Lagan Navigation, Belfast BT4, Reino Unido

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Lyric Theatre Belfast / O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects" 15 Jun 2012. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/240894/lyric-theatre-belfast-odonnell-tuomey-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

©  Dennis Gilbert

Lyric Theatre Belfast / O'Donnell & Tuomey Architects

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