The Schauspielhaus does not have enough space to give all four pillars of the Pina Bausch Centre a home. For this reason a new building of top architectural quality is planned with several storeys, and to the east of the theatre, not competing but adding carefully to it.
The theatre, or Schauspielhaus, is a listed building constructed between 1964 and 1966 following plans by Prof Gerhard Graubner. It will be sensitively adapted to its new function, which is appropriate to its democratic architecture and the idea behind its creation. The aim is to create an opening towards the city, both conceptually and spatially.
Graubner’s building was based on an introverted design, with a closed façade which creates an inward-looking atmosphere. By creating a new entrance area, various other openings and lines of sight, as well as public event spaces, the partition will be broken up – without substantially damaging the fundamental idea of the design.
The aim is to retain both parts of the building largely as they are, the public section including the foyer, and the theatre building behind. They are, however, to have additional functions added and to be adapted to modern demands. To the rear of Graubner’s building a construction allowing better delivery and access will be created.