The original 1960s theatre space needed to be renovated to accommodate the theatre’s refreshment areas, which no longer meet current needs and standards. The new design works with three different solutions for all refreshment areas in the theatre, each incorporating a specific element from the original artistic decoration.
The base of the entire design is the incorporation of newly designed elements into the interior so that they fit into the existing state and carry the spirit of the building. The unifying principles used in all designs are streamlining operations, utilizing the essence of the original elements, and creating an original element that is designed specifically for the given location and is not transferable anywhere else.
The Vestibule
The visitor enters the theatre through the main entrance, through the vestibule with the ticket offices, through double glass doors, into the vestibule with the cloakrooms and the staircase to the upper floor. On the right and left sides, the arch of the staircases leads to the cloakrooms. A stone mosaic is installed on the entire curved wall of the Great Hall. In front of the mosaic on the left side, there is a catering table for serving visitors who are on the ground floor throughout the performance.
Catering counter
The new counter is designed as a modular system that can be adapted to the situation. In order to maintain a clean view of the mosaic without visual smog, the sales offer was limited to drinks only. The tall refrigerator that covered part of the mosaic was removed. The counter itself is made up of three parts, with the two end parts having rounded ends and the middle one being straight. These parts are sliding with braked wheels. The work surface has a built-in, lockable wine cooler on the right side and an illuminated menu covering the coffee machine on the left side. Visually, the sales counter is inspired by the staircase railing. It draws on the rhythm of the metal slats, the airiness of the structure and the material solution: black glossy board, metal profiles and ornamental glass
The Foyer
After climbing the curved staircase, the visitor reaches the foyer of the first floor of the building. The foyer is used as an exhibition space and a place to spend a break during the performance. Since the capacity of both refreshment areas together cannot satisfy the need of the audience to sit down for refreshments or to put down a drink somewhere, the design works by redirecting people from the refreshment area to the foyer area. On the right side (view from the glass facade) there are bar tables without seats, which corresponds to the operation of the right refreshment area. The original seating elements, two-seater sofas and armchairs were moved to the left side (view from the glass facade). New seating elements, “chlebík”, were then added to the space.
Chlebík
„Chlebík“ is an upholstered seating element with a backrest and a plant island. It is placed in the foyer with tables, armchairs and sofas. Since the foyer is also used as an exhibition space, it did not make sense to place large furniture in a precise place, without the possibility of manipulating it. For easier maintenance, mobility and cleaning, the breadbaskets are therefore mobile with braked wheels.
The Right Refreshment
The right refreshment area is open during all performances and is the most used area with refreshments. The new solution is based on extending the line of the queue from the entrance door to the cash register by rounding it and creating a smooth movement of the mass of people. Operationally, it should function as a quick-service buffet, where you buy refreshments and are subconsciously guided by a light line to the spacious foyer. This move out of the refreshment area is designed mainly because of the crowding of people in the small buffet with a lack of space for everyone.
Counter and furniture
The new counter in the right refreshment area has a rounded shape, which allows the queue of visitors to be extended while subconsciously guiding them into the created trajectory of their movement. The shape and material solution are based on the stone mosaic on the ground floor. The decorative spatula on the wall base refers to the structure of the mosaic. Operationally, the space is designed so that as many people as possible can purchase refreshments in the shortest possible time and so that long queues do not arise. In addition to the designed counter, the refreshment area is equipped with bar tables, bar stools and an upholstered lumbar support, which offers a compromise between sitting and standing while consuming refreshments.
Lighting
The lighting works by stretching a light line above the countertop, in a warm shade of light, so that it sufficiently illuminates the work surface, but at the same time does not dazzle eyes accustomed to the dark. A suspended lighting system extends from the windows above the entire counter, which after the first bend creates a guiding line for visitors through the entire space. This line runs over the work surface to the bar tables by the windows, where it turns back into the room above the tables by the backrest and, in front of the corner of the room, bends again above the tables towards the entrance. On the walls, the metal wall lights have been replaced with glass ones in a bronze design with ornamental glass. Another light object is the light menu on the column around which the counter line is led. This black metal board has an embossed drink menu, which is illuminated from the inside with light blue light. The changes to the refreshment lighting can also include the replacement of the lights at the entrance. The original recessed circular lights have been replaced with three hanging strips that subconsciously guide visitors into the room. In front of the entrance itself, there is a neon sign “Diválka” to indicate the location of the refreshments.
The Left Refreshment
Currently, the left refreshment is only used when the theater is almost fully occupied or on special occasions. In addition to the adjusted space, the new solution also offers adjusted operation. The left refreshment is designed as a quiet space where visitors come to a specific table with a prepared order and thus have a reserved seat for the entire break. By offering a quiet space to enjoy a dessert without worries, the function is separated and a separate purpose is created. Another adjustment to the operation could be to open the left refreshment bar after the performance. By extending the opening hours after the performance, visitors can be offered a place to discuss the play and become not only a source of cultural experience but also a social place. Overall, the theater and refreshment would be open an hour before the performance with the right refreshment open, both refreshments open during the break, and the left refreshment open for an hour after the performance, to discuss the drama seen and finish the remaining sandwiches.
Counter and furniture
The visual of the left refreshment area reflects the glass chandeliers from the foyer, which can be described by three principles – light, cascade and vertical glass, which are the basis for the appearance of the sales counter. The work area is designed in a U-shape from the sales counter, a side display case and a worktop against the wall. In contrast to the right refreshment area, which is equipped only with bar tables inviting a quick rest, the left one has classic tables with chairs. The number of chairs around the tables varies, thus covering the diverse demand for seating.
Lighting
Above the work surface, there is a hanging system in the opposite U shape to the work surface and provides sufficient lighting for the workplaces. Above the tables, hanging lights shine with a warm yellowish light, which have a rounded glass ornamental shade and bronze details. These materials connect them with the replaced wall lights, which are identical to those in the right refreshment area. There is a lighted drink menu by the column. In front of the entrance, as in the real refreshment area, there is a neon sign “Diválka”, but the lights in the entrance area remain original.
