The clear cubic forms of the 19-metre-high fly tower and the two auditoriums are concealed beneath a prismatically folded metal skin. Different shades of orange heighten the effect of light refraction, while openings are mysteriously veiled by a layer of perforated metal sheeting (see Detail 12/2007). Between the two halls, the foyer is designed as a dynamic, winding space that tapers upwards to a central rooflight. The various spatial qualities are accentuated by bright colours: the foyer gleams in a fresh pink, while the large hall glows with red plush. The rectangular small hall has the neutral form of a multifunctional black-box theatre; and the 350 m² conference area can be divided into three separate halls.
The positions of the individual wall panels were optimized in a simulation program, so that despite the different spatial acoustics required for various events, a balanced sound quality is guaranteed for every seat. Adjustable reflector surfaces were installed only in the stage space, the generous dimensions of which are necessary to accommodate big productions. Since the orchestra pit can be adjusted in height, it can also be used as a stage area in front of the curtains during daytime congresses, so that scenery for evening theatre performances can be left in place.
The scope that exists for combining all halls and foyers into a single area 2,100 m² in size means that the complex can stage events for audiences of up to 1,800 persons. The building now attracts congresses from all over the Netherlands with up to 60,000 participants a year – in addition to the 150 performances given in the theatre from October to May.
