تراث Théâtre Vidy-Lausanne: A Cultural Landmark

The Théâtre Vidy-Lausanne in Switzerland represents an exceptional case of transforming a temporary building into a permanent cultural facility. The original building was designed by the renowned artist and architect Max Bill as a dedicated theatre pavilion for the Swiss National Exhibition (Expo Nationale Suisse) in 1964. This structure was intended to be temporary and served for only six months during the exhibition. However, thanks to the vision of the City of Lausanne and under the leadership of theatre director Charles Apothéloz, the building was purchased and preserved, allowing theatrical activity to continue and saving an essential piece of modern architectural heritage.

Over the years, successive leadership teams contributed to shaping the identity of the Vidy Theatre, evolving it from a temporary facility into an international cultural reference and a key player in enhancing the artistic identity of the city of Lausanne. The theatre became a platform for creativity and the development of contemporary performing arts.

Vidy theater renovation and extension / pont12 architectes

Challenges and Interventions: Updating the Production Infrastructure

The theatre faced a significant challenge: presenting contemporary theatrical productions with an outdated infrastructure. The theatre production facilities – including the main stage, backstage areas, and workshops – had become technically and functionally obsolete. These facilities no longer supported the technical and spatial requirements of modern theatrical productions, necessitating decisive architectural intervention.

The response to this challenge was an ambitious renovation project led by PONT12 architectes. The project focused on increasing the volume and space within the main hall of the theatre, providing greater flexibility for set design and accommodating modern technology. Additionally, a new dedicated rehearsal space was created on the site previously occupied by the “Cour des Arts” (Court of Arts). This substantial addition helped resolve the issue of spatial fragmentation and discontinuity that had plagued the building since the 1964 exhibition, providing an integrated and inspiring workspace for technical teams.

Preserving Authenticity: An Architectural Dialogue with Heritage

All architectural decisions and interventions for this project were developed and implemented in close and continuous collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Commission of Lausanne. The goal was to ensure respect for the historical value and architectural authenticity of the original pavilion designed by Max Bill while meeting modernization requirements.

A prime example of this balanced approach is the façade renovation. New stainless-steel mouldings were crafted to precisely reproduce the original materials and appearance of the façade. This façade was always designed to contrast with the surrounding natural landscape, an aesthetic effect preserved by the project, reaffirming the modernist character of the pavilion while ensuring its durability and efficiency for decades to come.

Reconnecting with the Surroundings: Architecture and Landscape Design

The renovation philosophy extended to include the surrounding space and reintegrating the theatre with its urban and natural context. To the north of the theatre, where the “The Art of the Garden” exhibition was held during the 1964 exhibition, the adjacent park was developed and transformed into an entrance square for the theatre. This green space is no longer just a garden but has become a vibrant public area that welcomes visitors and hosts events.

This square created a direct visual and spatial dialogue between the theatre’s original structure and the modern architectural additions surrounding it, most notably the wooden pavilion designed by Yves Weinand. It also reconnected the canopy of trees and the natural landscape with the architecture, enhancing the audience’s experience from the moment they arrive on site.

Project Details

Architects: PONT12 architectes
Area: 5196 square meters
Completion Year: 2023
Photography: Matthieu Gafsou
Client/Owner: City of Lausanne
Design Team: PONT12 architectes
Category: Theatre, Renovation, Extension
City: Lausanne
Country: Switzerland

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

This article delves into the Vidy Theatre renovation and extension project in Lausanne, highlighting the successful transformation of a temporary building by Max Bill into a permanent cultural facility through a sensitive, heritage-preserving architectural intervention. The report is commended for its precise focus on the technical and functional aspects of the renovation, such as updating the theatrical production infrastructure and resolving spatial fragmentation issues, while highlighting the fruitful collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Commission as a critical factor in the project’s success. However, the article could benefit from broadening its analysis to include the repercussions of this renovation on the local and international cultural scene, and how the public and artistic community interacts with the renewed space. The project remains an inspiring model demonstrating how architecture can skillfully balance the demands of functional modernity with respect for historical authenticity, ensuring the continuity of a building’s cultural legacy.