DESCRIPTION
A NEW UNIVERSE WITHIN HISTORIC SURROUNDINGS
The Royal Danish Theatre has decided to transform the historic and listed Stærekassen building into an experience universe for children and their accompanying adults.
Through the transformation, the historic theatre will gain new life and renewed relevance as an open children’s universe, creating a clear connection between the building’s distinctive character, its historic function and a new purpose that reinterprets its original role at a child’s scale.
Children will be introduced to the many crafts involved in and behind the performing arts, from costumes, scenography, lighting and sound to props, movement, musical instruments, singing, dancing and storytelling.
SOLUTIONS ALIGNED WITH THE BUILDING'S HISTORIC VALUE
Stærekassen was designed in the Art Deco style by architect Holger Jacobsen and constructed between 1929 and 1931. The building opened as Ny Scene in 1931 and has served as a theatre ever since. In 2008, its theatre functions moved to the Royal Danish Playhouse.
As the building approaches its centenary, Stærekassen is preparing to welcome the public once again as a Children's Universe for Performing Arts. Particular emphasis has been placed on ensuring that visiting children experience the magic, drama and history of the theatre.
Due to the building’s heritage value, solutions have been developed that minimise structural alterations wherever possible. This approach has guided interventions associated with new balustrades and screened elements integrated into the existing structure.
HIGH DEMANDS FOR FLOW AND ACCESSIBILITY
A key challenge of the project has been to rethink spaces originally designed for short-term use by adult audiences so that they instead accommodate an active child-focused user group.
This places significant demands on accessibility and indoor environment quality. As part of the project, solutions are being integrated in accordance with the principles of universal design.
As part of the refurbishment, all HVAC systems within the building are being replaced and modernised. New heating, water and electrical installations have been introduced, significantly upgrading the building’s technical standard and ensuring a high degree of flexibility for future use.
In addition to ensuring comfort and functionality through reliable heating and water systems, new ventilation systems have been installed to meet current standards. The objective has been to create a healthy and comfortable indoor environment with good air quality and stable temperatures, ensuring visitors are not adversely affected by poor air quality or overheating.
GALLERY
