Opéra des Nations, Geneva
The Opéra des Nations – an all-wood temporary building – replaces the Geneva Grand Théâtre during its renovation from 2016 to 2018. The former Théâtre éphémère of the Comédie-Française has been transformed and adapted to opera, ballets and recitals: enlargement of the hall by 8 m, increasing the seat count to 1 118; addition of an orchestra pit; acoustic optimization with reflectors installed above the orchestra pit and on the sidewalls of the hall.
Information Sheet
New Build Opéra des Nations.
Location Geneva, Switzerland.
Project Cost 11 million CHF (approx. 10 million € according to the opening year's conversion rate).
Time Frame Design: 2014. Construction: 2015. Opening: February 2016.
Owner Fondation du Grand Théâtre de Genève.
Architect(s) Brodbeck-Roulet Architectes Associés, Switzerland www.brodbeck-roulet.com
Seat Count The former Théâtre éphémère of the Comédie-Française has been enlarged by 8 m, increasing the seat count to 1 118 seats, and an orchestra pit for 70 musicians has been added. Dressing rooms and technical facilities have been augmented. Total area: 2 800 m².
Uses The Opéra des Nations hosts the Geneva Grand Théâtre programme: operas, ballets and recitals.
Services Comprehensive acoustic consulting services including acoustic concept, design and construction supervision.
Team Eckhard Kahle, Juan Óscar García Gómez, Kahle Acoustics.
Press
View of the sloping parterre and the wood roof structure. The central part of the ceiling structure was added in order to enlarge the hall by 8 m and increase the seating capacity to 1 118. Photo © Kahle Acoustics
The 1 118-seat hall as seen from the stage during setup. Photo © Brodbeck-Roulet Architectes Associés
View of the sloping parterre and the wood roof structure. The central part of the ceiling structure was added in order to enlarge the hall by 8 m and increase the seating capacity to 1 118. Photo © Kahle Acoustics
The last row of seats is at a distance of less than 30m from the stage. On the left, the sidewall acoustic reflectors, optimized for a homogeneous coverage of all seats with lateral reflections. Photo © Kahle Acoustics
The acoustic reflectors on the sidewalls have a specific orientation in order to achieve homogeneous lateral reflection's coverage of all seats. Photo © Kahle Acoustics
Sidewall acoustic reflectors with specific orientation for enhancing lateral sound. Photo © Kahle Acoustics
Acoustic reflectors placed above the orchestra pit to enhance communication between the musicians and improve the projection of sound for the audience. Photo © Kahle Acoustics
View on the orchestra pit and the stage. Photo © Kahle Acoustics
Podium installed in the orchestra pit during a harp recital rehearsal. Photo © Kahle Acoustics
Opening night at the Opera des Nations with Handel's Alcina. Photo © Kahle Acoustics