Ariston, Esch-sur-Alzette (LUX)

project Refurbishment of the former listed cinema ‘Ariston’ into a new cultural venue with focus on children’s & youth theatre client City of Esch-sur-Alzette, public services WW+, Esch-sur-Alzette (LUX) / Trier (GER) architecture / interior arch. similar to HOAI LPH 1-9 in collaboration with civil engineering Schroeder & Associés, Luxembourg (LUX) technical engineering  Felgen & Associés, Luxembourg (LUX) fire protection / acoustics INCA Ingénieurs Conseils Asscoiés, Luxembourg (LUX) stage design Walter Kottke GmbH, Bayreuth (GER)  rendering Rendertaxi, Aachen (GER) gfa 2.255 m² gv 979 m² ufa 10.007 m³ total area 0,097 ha net construction costs 13.401.735 € planning 07/2019 - 12/2020 realisation 03/2020 - 04/2022 photos Linda Blatzek

Facts

• Revitalization, energetic refurbishment of the listed building
• Participative planning process with the 'Service des sites et monuments nationaux' and the 'Escher Theater' future users
• Artists' dressing room and gastronomy
• Use of sustainable, natural/ecological materials
• Multifunctional hall with rehearsal stage and bistro & bar with kitchen
• Theater hall with modern stage technology and acoustically effective and cooling ceiling sail

The former cinema "Ariston" in Esch-sur-Alzette, on the Rue Pierre Claude, is part of the cultural heritage of the town and was to be revitalised. The planning includes the renovation and conversion of the building into a (children's) theatre, including cinema serviceability & gastronomy. Through the renovation and refurbishment, the building has become a new cultural and entertainment venue with diverse socio-cultural aspects for the citizens of Esch.

Background / Existing building

The building has been used as a cinema since its construction in the early 1960s. The foyer with access to the cinema hall (east side) is located on the ground floor. On the south side is the external access to the upper floors. On the upper floor is a reception room with a rehearsal stage, kitchen and bar, which can also be accessed and used independently. There are two residential units on the 4th & 5th floors. One of them is accessed via the south side, the other via the interior staircase in the foyer. In the basement there is a bowling alley with seating areas, sanitary facilities, storage and technical rooms.

Initial situation

After the cinema closed in 2016, the building remained in disuse. Only the residential units on the upper floors are currently in use. The entire building was acquired by the city of Esch in December 2019 in order to reassign the building to a new use. The fixtures, fittings and furnishings on all floors were in poor condition and not worth preserving. The building is subject to preservation orders. The requirements of the monument preservation authorities have been respected during the planning and rehabilitation.

Main concept / objective

The entire building will be renovated both structurally and environmentally and restructured for new uses in keeping with the times. The main concept of the project is to convert the old cinema into a cultural venue with a focus on children's theatre, which will be operated by the Escher Theatre. The cinema continues to be used for film screenings. The requirements for the building were defined by means of a room programme developed by the new user and client and integrated into the planners' design concept.

The later additions (steel staircase on the east side & extension on the south side) have been dismantled so that the original appearance is restored. The necessary opening in the façade for the delivery of props and scenery enables the new theatre use. The intervention has been carried out sensitively and in close coordination with the Service des Sites et Monuments.

The cinema hall has been converted into a theatre hall with modern stage technology. The focus here is on its use as an interactive children's theatre. The lower level of the auditorium functions as a stage, which can be used by children if necessary. A restaurant, sanitary facilities and storage areas were created on the ground floor. The installation of artists' dressing rooms, the creation of office and storage space on the upper floors, as well as the use of the existing reception hall are also components of the project.

Materials – Environmental concept

In the interest of sustainable development, in the selection of materials, priority will be given to reusability, environmental sustainability and the avoidance of pollutants. In addition, mainly natural / ecological materials are to be used.

The energy concept is designed for sustainability and efficiency. Among other things, a photovoltaic system is to be installed on the roof. Individual technical solutions will be used for air and temperature control in the theatre hall. Cooling in the theatre hall is enabled by a cooling ceiling sail, which is also used for acoustic control. Air supply is provided via an air-cooler positioned on the roof.

Ventilation in the theatre hall is provided by outlets integrated into the steps under the seats, ensuring comfortable, low-noise circulation. The existing reception hall is naturally ventilated as required via the window openings. According to the client, 100% simultaneous use of the foyer, catering areas and theatre hall is not planned, so a system with 10,000m³ volume flow will be used. The ventilation unit is positioned on the 5th floor and serves the respective areas from there. Individual heating is provided by radiators and regulated by thermostats.