Rabat Grand Theatre / Zaha Hadid

By Kelly Minner — Filed under: Cultural , Morocco, Rabat, Zaha Hadid Architects

Following a recent ceremony in Rabat, Morroco, Agence pour l'Aménagement de la Vallée du Bouregreg (The Bouregreg Valley Development Agency) verified that architectural designs will be provided by Zaha Hadid Architects. The program will include three theater spaces, indoor spaces consisting of 2,050-seat and a 520-seat, and a fully-equipped outdoor amphitheater holding up to 7,000 people. The theaters will share back of house facilities, efficiently reducing the size of the building services needed. Creative studios will also be incorporated into this cultural venue. Estimated cost is at 120 Million Euros for the Rabat Grand Theatre.

Follow the break for more renderings of The Rabat Grand Theatre

Architects: Zaha Hadid Architects
Location: Rabat, Morocco
Design: Zaha Hadid with Patrik SchumacherAssociate: Nils Peter FisherProject Leader: William TanProject Team: Torsten Broeder, Martin Krcha, Hoda Nobakhti, Rafael Contreras, Yevgeniya Pozigun, Michal TrederStructure Engineer: Adams Kara Taylor
MEP Engineer: MaxFordham
Acoustics & Theatre: Artec Consultant
Facade: Donnell Consultants Incorporated
Lighting: Office for Visual Interaction Inc
Client: Agence pour l'Aménagement de la Vallée du BouregregProject Area: 47,000 sqmRenderings: Courtesy of Zaha Hadid

Courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects

In the Bouregreg Valley at the heart of Rabat, The Grand Theatre will be part of one of the largest developments in the Moroccan country. This theater, with its innovative design and cutting-edge infrastructure will surely be a landmark for the city and the region

Taking its direction from the adjacent Bouregreg River, the design in one fluid sweep traverses from the ground extending into the sky. The auditoriums are enveloped within the sculpted building that moves back to the ground, melting into the landscape.

Courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects

Mr. Essakl, Managaing Director of The Bouregreg Valley Development Agency said, "The Grand Theatre is part of a national programme of cultural development initiated by His Majesty King Mohammed VI. The construction of the Grand Theatre will allow Rabat to showcase its rich cultural heritage as one the world's greatest cultural centres."

Zaha Hadid shared her willingness stating, "I am delighted to be building the Grand Theatre in Rabat. Morocco's unique musical traditions and rich cultural history in the performing arts are renowned throughout the world. I am honoured to be part of the cultural development of the nation's capital."