The original Municipal Theatre of Corfu designed by C. Pergolessi at the end of the 19th century and destroyed by German bombers during the Second World War. In its place a modern building was erected in the 1960’s which unfortunately did not meet the aesthetic and functional expectations of the citizens of Corfu. This proposal, brought to ArchDaily by Zerefos Tessas Architects is for the Renovation and Extension of the Municipal Theater of Corfu, Greece to provide a more appropriate architectural identity through the building.
More on this project after the break.
The proposed solution for the renovation and extension of the Corfu Municipal Theatre and the entrance piazza answers to the historical, functional, aesthetic, technical, environmental and economic issues posed in the competition brief. In this way the building has a sense of openness which breathes life to the theatre transforming the building and consequently its entrance square to a recognizable meeting point, ideal for public gathering and play.
The expansion of the foyer on the first floor, the displacement of the tickets office, and the restaurant and cafeteria functionally organise the building and offer new spaces to be embraced by the public. The arches situated on the side facades are closed with glass panels so that the previously dysfunctional archways are enriched with new cultural and commercial uses such as shops, bookstore and exhibition spaces. It visually connects the presence of the building’s past through its present uses.
The creation of a second elevated square that dominates the main facade suggests a pleasant outdoor extension of the foyer that symbolically interacts with the square. The offices of the art direction and the choir rehearsal rooms are renovated according to up-to-date functional specifications and, thanks to the new facades, enjoy the natural light and the views to the street.
Architects: Zerefos Tessas Architects – Chris Tessas, Stelios Zerefos Location: Corfu, Greece Associate architects: Iro Armeni, Telesilla Bristoyianni, Angeliki Kokkini Structural engineer: Costis Hatzopoulos Year: 2010 Area: 6,750 sq.m.
