Studio Kalamar D.O.O.

Theatre Park

Theatre Park
© Miran Kambič

THEATRE PARK

Studio Kalamar

ARCHITECTS
Studio Kalamar: Studio Kalamar - Andrej Kalamar

PHOTOGRAPHS
Miran Kambič

CATEGORY
Renovation

LOCATION
9000 Murska Sobota, Slovenia

AREA
1460.0 m2

YEAR
2010

Text description provided by architect.

The Cinema Park Building was erected in the 1950s from plans by the modernist architect Franc Novak. Slowly falling into disrepair, it was still used for film shows until the new century, when it became obsolete due to the construction of a new multiplex.

Theatre Park
© Miran Kambič
Theatre Park
© Miran Kambič

A solution was found in a new, more ambitious programme: a conversion into a theatre and concert hall, preserving the designated landmark building with a fitting new programme for a small city with a large theatre audience that previously lacked an adequate theatre space.

This way, the city of Murska Sobota reinforces its position as a regional centre and at the same time preserves the exceptional example of modernist architecture.

Theatre Park
© Miran Kambič
Theatre Park
© Miran Kambič

In relation to the existing structure, two concepts were introduced for the two segments of the project. The functional scheme of entry areas already included all the key elements: entrance loggia, lobby and the lower and upper foyers.

These parts of the building were renovated, preserving as much original substance as possible. New functional elements were inserted into existing space as black elements conceived with minimal detail.

Theatre Park
© Miran Kambič
Theatre Park
© Miran Kambič

The existing auditorium’s geometry was not suited to the new purpose, so it was replaced by a new, correctly proportioned auditorium space and a technically equipped theatre stage.

It’s size and equipment allows for guest performances from every theatre in the country as well future own production with space and technical support on par with all national theatres.

Theatre Park
© Miran Kambič
Theatre Park
© Miran Kambič

The volume of the original building is clearly delineated in the auditorium’s structure, the added stage volume, dressed in “renaissance trousers” shows an appropriate compositional distance, retains the autonomy of the original building’s architectural expression and blends easily into the natural surroundings of city park.

Throughout the design process, a special attention was accorded to investment costs and designing the building with low running costs. With rational concept and transparent investment management, the small city of Murska Sobota received the fifth largest and currently best equipped stage in the country.

Theatre Park
© Miran Kambič
Theatre Park
© Miran Kambič

Running costs were reduced to minimum by providing heating and cooling energy via heat pumps from an already used geothermal installation.

After six months, average running cost for heating, cooling, ventilating and lighting come to 3.300 EUR per month.

Theatre Park
© Miran Kambič
Theatre Park
© Miran Kambič
Theatre Park
© Miran Kambič

We believe that more and more of our creative energy within the design process will soon be directed into limiting the consumption of natural resources and general environmental responsibility.

Theatre Park
© Miran Kambič
Theatre Park
© Miran Kambič


Theatre Park
© Miran Kambič
Theatre Park
© Miran Kambič
Theatre Park
© Miran Kambič


Theatre Park
south elevation
Theatre Park
east elevation
Theatre Park
north elevation
Theatre Park
west elevation


Theatre Park
section 02
Theatre Park
section 01


Theatre Park
ground floor plan
Theatre Park
site plan

Studio Kalamar D.O.O.
T +386 1 2410470
Studio Kalamar D.O.O.
Slovenska 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia