the staasoper „unter den linden“ was built in 1743 to plans of georg wenzeslaus von knobelsdorff. due to fires, war destructions and changes of use, the opera was fundamentally changed during its 250 year long history. the opera building of today was designed in 1951 by architect paulick and is listed as a protected monument since 1979.

with the reconstruction, improvements to auccoustics and visibilities were targeted. the structurally created sound of the auditorium is dominated by a weak spacial resonance. for this reason an electronic echo chamber was used for years and up to 300 seats suffer from a reduced resale value due to their limited view. this competition was aimed at finding a design that would solve the acoustic and visual limitations for the user as well as taking the concerns of the monument protection agency into account. (excerpt from the competition descritpion by the senate of berlin, department of urban development, april 2006, translation by klaus roth architekten)

the clear architetctural concept shows an intense examination of the whole task and the historic building. both the requests for better accoustics and visual connection of auditorium and stage were taken care of with a thorough redesign. especially the clever lifting of the central auditorium and the creation of a welcoming clerks room on the ground level is to be highlighted. the appollo hall benefits from that change, too, and receives a commendable connection to the foyer ad the main hall. by redesigning the two lateral staircases the quality of the internal accessability is improved. new connections, vertival and horizonta, are created for the visitor. the location of the new washrooms and lateral installations rooms show a comprehensive design idea. the clean style together with natural metrials support the vivid process of every opera production. a new, intense connection between spectator and actor can be established thanks to the skillful reservation of the design.
overall, the work impresses with a contemporary concept. the opera house is restored and improved with simple achitectural means. however, due to the qualities of the existing auditorium, this proposal was discussed severely. in any case, the cultural metropolis of berlin can gain a valuable component while sending impulses to the outside at the same time.
a convincing design that accomplishes every request by the user –visibilities, accoustics, technical accesibilities. on top that it puts the historic substance in a tense, local connection with medernity – a metaphor for the contemporanian music theatre! this is the only design that sets the stage as the centre of the auditorium. (excerpt from the resluts protocol, may 2006, translation by klaus roth architekten)