{"id":328427,"date":"2026-03-26T15:20:21","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T15:20:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/pl\/328427\/"},"modified":"2026-03-26T15:20:21","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T15:20:21","slug":"the-contemporary-theatre-in-szczecin-the-building-will-rise-above-the-oder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/pl\/328427\/","title":{"rendered":"The Contemporary Theatre in Szczecin. The building will rise above the Oder"},"content":{"rendered":"

We now know what the new Contemporary Theatre in Szczecin will look like. First prize in the competition for the building\u2019s design was awarded to the Warsaw-based architectural practice SAAW. A project of such considerable scale will clearly make its mark on the city skyline, which is why the choice was not an easy one. The jury\u2019s decision has deeply divided public opinion, and the design is the subject of lively debate regarding the direction in which Polish architecture is heading.<\/p>\n

The Contemporary Theatre in Szczecin \u2013 the jury\u2019s assessment<\/p>\n

The competition jury highly praised the way the building fits into the challenging surroundings of \u0141asztownia. In the jury\u2019s view, the new Contemporary Theatre will bring order to the waterfront and give it a distinct composition. They also highlighted the consistency in references to the port\u2019s history, evident in the stepped form of the structure and in the choice of materials, such as blackened steel and charred wood. The concept of openness was also of considerable importance. Glazing reveals the interiors and backstage areas of the theatre, bringing the institution\u2019s activities into the city\u2019s public space. The jury also noted the urban planning solutions, including the clear routing of pedestrian traffic towards the boulevards and the connection between the entrance square and the foyer. The project as a whole was recognised as a coherent concept with a distinct identity and high-quality architecture.<\/p>\n

\"\"The neighbourhood today, Photo: Google Earth
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The neighbourhood and surroundings of the new development<\/p>\n

The development site is located on Zbo\u017cowa Street, in the Nabrze\u017ce Celne area and near the planned K\u0142odny Bridge crossing. For centuries, this area served as Szczecin\u2019s port hinterland, separated from the prestigious Wa\u0142y Chrobrego. The immediate surroundings of the planned development are exceptionally diverse in terms of scale and aesthetics. To the south of the site are car parks, the Lastadia Office building and the headquarters of the Tax Administration Chamber, which miraculously survived the extensive destruction of Szczecin during the Second World War. To the north runs Trasa Zamkowa, and right next to it stands the Prof. Jerzy Stelmach Maritime Science Centre, whose form is reminiscent of a moored ship. Each of these elements represents a different era and a different architectural language, which places high demands on the new theatre.<\/p>\n

A form inspired by the port<\/p>\n

The design by the SAAW studio is based on two clearly distinct volumes. One houses the Main and Chamber Stages, whilst the other houses the Community Stage. The stepped layout references the historic granaries and port warehouses that once dominated \u0141asztownia. The fa\u00e7ade of the building is formed by a grid of blackened steel and charred wood, enhancing its raw, industrial character. During the day, the structure appears subdued and dark, whilst in the evening a warm light emanates from within, highlighting the wooden surfaces and golden accents.<\/p>\n

\"TeatrThe waterfront today and in the future. Photo: SAAW and Google Maps
\nThe Contemporary Theatre in Szczecin \u2013 a public space<\/p>\n

The new urban layout brings harmony between the buildings and the greenery. The space separating the two structures is lush with greenery. It is through this space that the main pedestrian route leads from the transport stops towards the boulevards along the Oder. The entrance square with a water feature extends the function of the foyer and encourages visitors to linger. The greenery filters the views and frames the perspectives onto the river, whilst the building itself directs pedestrians towards the most attractive sections of the waterfront.<\/p>\n

The relationship between the architecture and the city<\/p>\n

The foyers of both parts of the complex are situated on the river side, where the panorama of Wa\u0142y Chrobrego provides a natural backdrop for events. Large glazed areas reveal the life of the theatre rather than concealing it. The layout of the stages allows them to be opened up, enabling performances to be staged outdoors. During the day, the Community Stage functions as a venue for workshops and local initiatives, whilst in the evening it transforms into a fully-fledged theatrical space. The boundary between the auditorium, the foyer and the boulevard becomes blurred, and culture permeates the life of the city.<\/p>\n

Authors: SAAW Architekci<\/a>
Collaborators: Obok Studio Martyna Dry\u015b, Obok Studio Maciej Marsza\u0142, SAAW Architekci Emilia Soba\u0144ska
Visualisations: Mukko Studio<\/a><\/p>\n

Read also: Szczecin<\/a>|Culture<\/a>|Art<\/a>|Architecture in Poland<\/a>|whiteMAD on Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n

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