Sports Hall for Artistes in Berlin

Founded in 1956, Germany’s only state school for circus and variety artistes at last possesses a hall for training and performances. An ingeneous wall and soffit system – with birch panels stepped down in three levels and articulated by translucent polycarbonate slabs – allows artistes to work at various heights. The load-bearing structure consists of arched laminated-timber ribs that define the external form. The roof is covered with a PTFE and glass-fibre textile membrane, which ensures even, non-glare natural lighting. The air buffer between the inner and outer skins reduces extremes of temperature internally. At the two ends of the hall, the stepped interior is indicated by a wood-strip facade. Access is via a single-storey tract with changing rooms, ballet and multipurpose spaces.