Architects in Motion from Turnhout chooses Theateradvies and wins competition for the renovation of Cultuurhuis De Warande

August 21st, 2014

De Warande is one of the first cultural centers of Flanders and still counts as an important reference. Travelling companies know De Warande as a nice and hospitable theatre, but also as quite a technical challenge. The stage is too small and the stage tower too low. The flying facilities are still counterweights and lighting is limited. Dressing rooms and green room are at best modest. The province of Antwerp decided that an extensive renovation was warranted. The stage will be enlarged to 14. x 14m. The stage tower will be raised and the flying installation will be expanded and automated. 

The winning design includes a new building at the back of the theatre with a decent get in, workshops, dressing rooms and a green room with daylight and a view. Architect Paul Schellekens contributed to the original design of De Warande. It was his first assignment. Now, at the end of his career as an architect, he is involved again. Thus, architects Luc Vanhout and Bart Janssens of Architects in Motion deliberately choose to strengthen the architectural qualities of the monument while introducing modern functionality at the same time. For the latter, Theateradvies was selected as theatre consultant.