Projects

Royal Opera of Wallonia

Restoration, renovation and extension of the Royal Opera of Wallonia in Liège

Public, Culture

Building/site

Type

Public, Cultural

Location

Rue des Dominicains, 4000 Liège

Style

Neoclassical, Second Empire

Year of construction

1818-1820

Original design

Auguste Duckers

Mission

Client

Stad Luik

Project team

Origin Architecture & Engineering (restoration), A2RC (renovation, extension and stage equipment), Architectes Associés (special techniques), Greisch (structure), Arte (stage equipment), Daniel Commins (acoustics)

Contractor

Galère - Moury - Wust

The restoration, renovation and extension project was designed to modernise the building and enhance its heritage qualities in order to reaffirm its symbolic status as a major cultural building.

The works, carried out from March 2010 to September 2012, equipped the theatre with a high-performance scenographic system enabling it to once again welcome major performances and to integrate a large number of additional spaces, including a prestigious rehearsal and reception room.

The intervention, which harmoniously combines the neoclassical qualities and a pure contemporary architecture, is in line with a strong historical approach that respects the heritage.

The project is guided by the volume and clean aesthetics of the original building in its exterior design. The additions above the acroterium have been removed in order to restore the classical lines and proportions.

A contemporary extension was built on the roof to bring together all the new elements of the programme: rehearsal and reception halls, offices, staff and administration offices. This volume allows the modernity of the theatre to be expressed without competing with the old aesthetic. The extension is covered in a double layer of metal panels that are repeated in the bays of the old building, a visual yet symbolic link between the past and the future of the monument.

Inside, the major listed historic spaces - theatre, main foyer, main staircase, lobby - all intended for the public, are not only preserved but above all restored and even reconstructed for a large part of the large foyer whose magnificent ornamented ceiling had disappeared.

The service and artist facilities have all been renovated. The stage box and its scenographic equipment have been completely redesigned.

The common denominator for all the spaces is the complete renewal of the technical equipment: electricity, ventilation and air conditioning, sanitary facilities, lifts, stage equipment and acoustic improvement (sound insulation and treatment)