A sustainable temporary theatre 
Both temporal and sustainable design issues are part of a larger trend, however, both with a slightly different inducement.
 
A combination of both is rarer and seems contradictory due to their short and long term mind, but in fact it challenges different and unexpected thoughts to think about sustainability. Adding the programmatic and safety requirements needed for a public theater, this competition stands for a particularly interesting and topical defiance. How can the sustainability of a temporary structure being justified?
 
To meet the durability, safety and feasibility requirements, we use a balanced mix of materials and their application and we make sure that all used materials will have a long lifecycle. Either by rent, recycle or providing a second life after the show. Finally, by minimizing the waste of material that is used only for 10 days.
 
Besides the sustainability issue, the theater just as well must comply to the universal theater standards. Therefor our design is based on the most ideal conditions for a flexible theater: a square flat floor stage area with an adequate clear height. Dry sound acoustics, ventilation, natural light and the ability to darken the theater. The arrangement of the linkable seats is flexible and so a large number of conceivable configurations for both the stage and the spectators are possible.
 
Context
The appearance of the theater box within the courtyard of the Anthony Hopkins Centre might seem impertinent due to the possible denial of the environment or it’s secretive facade. But that is not. It is just because of it’s introverted character and its expressing of the subdued expectation of what is to come. Serene and quiet, nothing yet revealing, subtly challenging.

Facts
Project name: ParaBox
Location: Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Cardiff [Wales, United Kingdom]
Site area: 750 m2
Client: World Stage Design 2013
Completion: Competition entry, nominated and exhibited at the World Stage Design festival in 2013. 

 
Credits
Design team: Tom van Odijk, David Baars, Alexine Sammut