Kazakh drama theater (international design competition, 1st prize, Astana, the Republic of Kazakhstan

Architects: S.Pamerneckis („Jungtinės architektų dirbtuvės“), G.Čaikauskas („Architektūros linija“), T.Mazūras („Unitectus“). In cooperation with: E.Geštautaitė, V.Pliadis, K.Tyla („Jungtinės architektų dirbtuvės“), A.Palšytė („Unitectus“).
Plot area: 142.850 m²
GBA: 25.700 m²
Design: 2009-2010 m.

After evaluating the characteristics of the site, the floating volume of plastic shapes was offered based on historical traditions, which in an easy to understand way would be perceived equally from every angle and would act as a sculpture with many meanings. Without changing the structure of the park, highlighting the pond and assessing the future pedestrian and transport flows; we located the building between the paths with the main entrance facing the crossing of main streets, this way responding to the central axis line created by the urban arrangement of the city and presidential palaces. The plastic and the expression of the architecture were determined by the analysis of the country’s historical past and architectural development. Lush nature, changing climatic conditions and specific lifestyle have always reflected in the expression of the building and have shaped the national traits. The traditional yurta, a symbol of the rational thinking that has developed over time, and folk art examples influenced the volume and stylistic expression of the building. The round plan of the building is associated with the form of traditional yurta. The division of functional zones formed over time inspired the idea of the interior layout of the theater. Special attention was paid to the AITYS theater, perceiving this acting form as a national treasure of Kazakh culture. The exceptional highlight – the AITYS hall – is raised above the main building.