ANAND  DEVARAJAN  ARCHITECTURE

Our competition proposal for theStara Zagora Experimental Puppetry Arts Centre proposal aims to enhance the existing puppetry theater by incorporating a new architectural language that celebrates performative spaces and programs which establish it as a regional and international destination. The design carefully connects key areas, such as entrance lobbies, theatre loading, and staff circulation, with new dressing rooms, administrative offices, and below-grade warehouse and rehearsal spaces. The site plan preserves trees and promotes a visual connection with the public through transparent ground floor spaces activating the surrounding streets. Flexibility is emphasized in both performance and public areas to accommodate evolving community and theatre needs. The performance hall utilizes a "box-in-box" organization to adapt to various layouts and act as an acoustic buffer. Sustainability is prioritized with energy reduction systems, renewable energy access, and minimized embodied carbon. The project’s unique architectural expression camouflages the ground floor within the landscape, creating a floating illusion for the theater block. Wood façade cladding provides shading and acts as a curtain creating privacy for upper levels while responding to the existing theatre building and denoting a sculptural street presence.

Competition Consultant Team:
Structural Engineering: Magnussen Klemencic Associates
Theater Consultant: Apiero Design
Mechanical and Sustainability:  Transsolar KlimaEngineering
Acoustic Consultant: Antonio Acoustics