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Agora Theatron
The Theatre to be
"In terms of Economies of Scale,
the smaller venues don't work for us and the larger venues are too risky, unless there is big sponsorship money, which is getting more difficult to find".
- Selena Tan, Founder of Dream Academy
"I know it's expensive, but one new Theatre is not enough"
- Nelson Chia, Nine Years Theatre's artistic director, with his remark on the future opening of the Esplanade waterfront Theatre and competition for renting mid - sized venues.
"More than 80 - 85% of work that is produced throughout the world -
in theatre, dance and music - both traditional as well as contemporary, take place in mid - sized venues"
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- NAC Arts Masterplan 2013, noting that such spaces will drive Singapore's performing arts development.
Agora is the greek word that refers to an open marketspace area. Theatron is the greek root word for Theatre - a place where shows are staged. The performing arts industry needs a mid - sized space that integrates work, practice and performances. Just as the Theatre was the social nexus of communities, it socially enhances Jalan Besar with a 450 seater theatre. Creative industries in the estate participate in the design process or the manufacture of the performance. Other social communities can enjoy the performances, regardless of differences.
The Theatre typology represents the nexus of any community it resides in. A brief look at theatre history shows this. Ancient theatre typologies reside at mountain hills for the natural slope inclination ideal for seating. The renaissance period saw many playhouses and opera houses in Europe. The roots of the modern theatre can be traced to the theatres of England, during the Elizabethan era of Shakespeare and the Georgian era.
Today, the theatre has taken a social role in contemporary context. While still used for performances, the space adepts to be a communal nexus. Theatres, for example, can be a gathering of a gay club community in Bogota, Columbia. In Singapore, churches such as New Creation Church, hosts its weekend services at the Star Theatre, serving as a suitable space for contemporary worship and preaching.
Availability of entertainment options has exploded in this last decade, diminishing the role of the theatre as the traditional go - to for entertainment. However, no amount of technology or change can ever displace the need for feeling belonged.
This particular academic project studies the typology of theatres - beyond the typical office design brief as a Final Year Project. Rule of thumb principles are adhered to during the designing the Theatre, such as sightlines, fire precautions and provision of technical spaces. While there are a thousand and one ways for improvement, this project is an attempt to step out and rethink the impact that workspaces have on our communities.
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