The Reconstruction of Gergely Csiky Theatre, Kaposvár

Architects: Krisztina L. Balogh, Iván Halas, Ifj. Ferenc Lőrincz
Text: György Szegő
Photos: Ifj. Ferenc Lőrincz

The theatre building of Kaposvár is an outstanding work of Hungarian Art Nouveau. Built in 1911, it has been rated as an excellent building of the style in Hungary ever since. Its exterior glory and remarkable stage technology secured its position as the most modern and largest theatre in the countryside. By the 2010s, however, the building has deteriorated to an extent when it is unable to function. The comprehensive reconstruction project was finished in 2015. Its goal was to increase the charm and cultural attraction of the town besides restoring it in its former glory as a historic building. Another significant aspect involved was to promote the theatre into an open, varied cultural centre. During the reconstruction, the entire building part was restored as an historic monument, it was lent new thermal insulation, the roof structure, the doors and windows have been replaced insular, and, taking advantage of the inclination of the street, partly beneath the terrain level a large-scale underground reception zone was created increasing the whole area of the theatre with one third of its original size which in turn allowed for a lighter and airier, more pleasant spatial configuration. As part of the reconstruction project, the installation and inclusion of alternative energy resources was realized as well as the surrounding parkland was rehabilitated whilst rationalizing the cargo load of the theatre itself.

General design: Arker Stúdió Kft.
Leading architect: Krisztina L. Balogh, Ifj. Ferenc Lőrincz, Iván Halas
Interiors: Krisztina Fülöp, Laura Majercsik – Kopm Design Stúdió
Structure: István Brandmüller – B. R. B. Tervező Kft., Csaba Harsányi – Statiker Kft.
Soil mechanics: József Schubert – Geo Stat Kft.
HVAC: András Bokor – Vizaterv Kft., Ferenc Party – Légpartner Kft.
Stage technology: János Barna, Sándor Veres – Bosch-Rexroth Kft.
Acoustics: Andor Tamás Fürjes – Aqrate Akusztika Kft.
Publis utilities: Attila Horváth
Landscape: Viktor László – Lépték-Terv Kft.
Road, traffic: János Endrédi – Útterv Kft.
Investor: KMJV Önkormányzata