Working for the City of Angers with a budget of 24,000,000 Euros, it's not the first time TPC has joined forces with the Paris-based architects: the company was appointed last year to design an arts facility in Athens and a new theatre in Bahrain.
Work started in March on the new building, which will cover an area of 8000sq.m. TPC's Mark Stroomer and Gavin Green have designed two auditoriums - a 900-seat proscenium theatre, which will adapt to a 600 seater for drama and music events and a smaller studio theatre with a capacity of 300 - 400. The building will also include dance studios, a theatre rehearsal space, a large foyer that will be used for street performances and ancillary spaces.
Mark Stroomer said: "It's wonderful to be involved with such a high profile project and to work alongside Architecture Studio. Together we've designed an innovative and useable space which will enhance the work of some of France's most prestigious artistic groups."
As one of the country's most cultural cities, Angers is home to the Nouveau Théâtre d'Angers, the Centre National de Danse Contemporaine, Centre Choregraphique National and Ecole D'Enseignement Supérieur de la Danse Contemporaine d'Angers and the city puts 13% of its budget towards culture. The new building, named the Théâtre au Front de Maine à Angers, will be testament to the city's policy on the arts when work is completed in September 2006.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
