Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Architect: denieuwegeneratie architecture.

De Kleine Komedie, the first theatre in Amsterdam, has celebrated its 225th anniversary with a redesign of its public spaces and interior by architecture firm denieuwegeneratie. The building, which was originally built as a French comedy theatre in 1786, has undergone several small interventions since the 1950s, but the latest renovation has stripped and restored the building to its former glory. The redesign has split the primary functions of the theatre, creating new internal relations for the public and staff, and improving convenience of use. The interior finishings have been specifically designed for night use, with a hand-polished white shiny lime plaster finish on the skin of the theatre hall and a dark basalt colour on the opposing inner side of the facade. The use of materials and detailing of the interior is of high refinement, with old monumental materials and patterns combined with modern ones, and soft materials with tough. The original theatre hall has been left untouched, creating an exciting contrast between the old and new spaces. The redesign reinforces the theatre’s role in serving public life, providing a space to see and be seen.

Photo credit: Roos Aldershoff.