Projects

Théâtre de Beaulieu

Originally opened in 1954, the Théâtre de Beaulieu remains to this date the largest in Switzerland. Its renovation and upgrade include the design of a new acoustically optimised orchestra shell and the integration of an electronic reverberation system to enhance natural acoustic reverberation. The Théâtre hosts miscellaneous shows ranging from contemporary dance, drama, classical concerts, including those with the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande and with the Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne, to jazz and pop concerts. This renovation grants the Théâtre with a great acoustic versatility and ensures an excellent quality for all uses.

Théâtre de BeaulieuThe renovated auditorium as seen from the stage. In the renovated hall, the new ceiling is set 1m meter higher than previously, and made of curved wood slats in a closed, acoustically reflective arrangement. On the walls, the curved wooden shells of the previous hall have been partly maintained and partly replicated. Photo © Fehlmann Architectes
Théâtre de BeaulieuThe renovated auditorium as seen from the parterre. Photo © Fehlmann Architectes
Information Sheet

Renovation/Transformation Théâtre de Beaulieu   beaulieu-lausanne.com/theatre-de-beaulieu/

Location Beaulieu, Lausanne, Switzerland.

Project Cost 55 million CHF (approx. 50 million € according to the opening year's conversion rate).

Time Frame Competition: 2016. Design: 2017-2019. Building Phase: 2019-2022. Opening: 2022.

Owner Beaulieu SA.

Architect(s) Fehlmann Architects, Lausanne, Switzerland   www.farch.ch

Theatre Planner(s) Thierry Guignard, France   guignardsceno.fr  •  Scenographicc, France   scenographicc.fr

Seat Count The main hall capacity is 1 600 seats. Total area: app. 660 m² for ground floor and 420 m² for balcony.

Uses The main hall hosts drama, theatre, dance, musicals, amplified music concerts as well as non- amplified music concerts such as operas and symphonic concerts, including a concert series by Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Geneva.

Services Acoustic investigation and feasibility study, creation of specification documents for tender, with the architect redesigning the interior to optimize the acoustics, designing variable acoustics, construction supervision and acoustic commissioning of the hall.

Team Yann Jurkiewicz, Eckhard Kahle, Kahle Acoustics.

Théâtre de BeaulieuThe renovated auditorium as seen from the first balcony. In the renovated hall, the new ceiling is set 1 meter higher than previously, and made of curved wood slats in a closed, acoustically reflective arrangement. On the walls, the curved wooden shells of the previous hall have been partly maintained and partly replicated. Photo © Fehlmann Architectes
Théâtre de BeaulieuView from the last row of the balcony. In the renovated hall, the new ceiling is set 1 meter higher than previously, and made of curved wood slats in a closed, acoustically reflective arrangement. On the walls, the curved wooden shells of the previous hall have been partly maintained and partly replicated. Photo © Kahle Acoustics
Théâtre de BeaulieuThe stage of the Théâtre de Beaulieu was equipped with a new modular orchestra shell allowing classical concerts to be held with excellent listening conditions on stage. The sidewalls and the ceiling of the shell are cladded with curved wooden panels, while a semi-reflective fabric closes off the rear of the stage, allowing for lighting effects or video-projection. Photo © Kahle Acoustics
Théâtre de BeaulieuView of the auditorium from a seat on the side balcony. The new ceiling follows a complex curved shape, which was precisely optimized for the most homogeneous acoustic experience achievable. In particular, concave ceiling areas were carefully checked and adjusted to avoid excessive acoustic focussing. Photo © Kahle Acoustics
Théâtre de BeaulieuThe iconic chandelier of the Théâtre de Beaulieu was preserved and now nestles in the curves of the new ceiling. Photo © Kahle Acoustics
Théâtre de BeaulieuThe new balcony front cladding consists of individually optimised wooden bars. It follows an optimised shape that counteracts the previously existing acoustic focusing effects. Photo © Kahle Acoustics
Théâtre de BeaulieuIntegration of loudspeakers and microphones of the active acoustic system. Photo © Kahle Acoustics
Théâtre de BeaulieuIntegration of loudspeakers and microphones of the active acoustic system. Photo © Kahle Acoustics
01/10Théâtre de BeaulieuThe renovated auditorium as seen from the stage. In the renovated hall, the new ceiling is set 1m meter higher than previously, and made of curved wood slats in a closed, acoustically reflective arrangement. On the walls, the curved wooden shells of the previous hall have been partly maintained and partly replicated. Photo © Fehlmann Architectes
02/10Théâtre de BeaulieuThe renovated auditorium as seen from the parterre. Photo © Fehlmann Architectes
03/10Théâtre de BeaulieuThe renovated auditorium as seen from the first balcony. In the renovated hall, the new ceiling is set 1 meter higher than previously, and made of curved wood slats in a closed, acoustically reflective arrangement. On the walls, the curved wooden shells of the previous hall have been partly maintained and partly replicated. Photo © Fehlmann Architectes
04/10Théâtre de BeaulieuView from the last row of the balcony. In the renovated hall, the new ceiling is set 1 meter higher than previously, and made of curved wood slats in a closed, acoustically reflective arrangement. On the walls, the curved wooden shells of the previous hall have been partly maintained and partly replicated. Photo © Kahle Acoustics
05/10Théâtre de BeaulieuThe stage of the Théâtre de Beaulieu was equipped with a new modular orchestra shell allowing classical concerts to be held with excellent listening conditions on stage. The sidewalls and the ceiling of the shell are cladded with curved wooden panels, while a semi-reflective fabric closes off the rear of the stage, allowing for lighting effects or video-projection. Photo © Kahle Acoustics
06/10Théâtre de BeaulieuView of the auditorium from a seat on the side balcony. The new ceiling follows a complex curved shape, which was precisely optimized for the most homogeneous acoustic experience achievable. In particular, concave ceiling areas were carefully checked and adjusted to avoid excessive acoustic focussing. Photo © Kahle Acoustics
07/10Théâtre de BeaulieuThe iconic chandelier of the Théâtre de Beaulieu was preserved and now nestles in the curves of the new ceiling. Photo © Kahle Acoustics
08/10Théâtre de BeaulieuThe new balcony front cladding consists of individually optimised wooden bars. It follows an optimised shape that counteracts the previously existing acoustic focusing effects. Photo © Kahle Acoustics
09/10Théâtre de BeaulieuIntegration of loudspeakers and microphones of the active acoustic system. Photo © Kahle Acoustics
10/10Théâtre de BeaulieuIntegration of loudspeakers and microphones of the active acoustic system. Photo © Kahle Acoustics