The team from diederendirrix will be the architect for the renovation of Stadsschouwburg Nijmegen. The building by architects Bijvoet & Holt will be sustainably upgraded inside and out, and made more accessible. The venue will also be made more welcoming for artists and the audience. The Rijksmonument, built between 1955-1961 at Keizer Karelplein during the post-war reconstruction period, has not undergone major renovations in the past 60 years.

During the renovation, systems (such as mechanical, electrical, and theater technical installations) that have reached the end of their lifespan will be replaced. Structural adjustments will also be made, including improvements to better connect with the city. The building and its surroundings will be made more sustainable and hospitable for artists and the public, as well as safer and more accessible for people with disabilities. The foyers will be adapted so that visitors and passersby can work, study, or meet during the day. The café will be transformed into a creative space for theater makers to rehearse.

Eva Middelhoff, director of Stadsschouwburg Nijmegen and Concertgebouw De Vereeniging, emphasizes: ‘After the reopening, the renewed Stadsschouwburg will be the Theatre of the Future that opens up to the city more than ever. It will be a place that is accessible to everyone. During the works, performances will be held in other locations.’

‘We have full confidence in the architectural firm Diederendirrix and its collaborating partners Buro Lubbers (landscape architecture), BERNS Architecture (restoration specialist), Architectencollectief deMunnik-deJong-Steinhauser (interior architecture), PBTA (Theatre consultancy), and MK4D (lighting design). The Stadsschouwburg will become even more inclusive. The qualities of the original brutalist design of the Stadsschouwburg, in the spirit of Bijvoet, will be restored and strengthened. Attention is given to current themes such as sustainability, public space, and biodiversity,’ says Noël Vergunst, alderman for urban development and culture.

The team at Diederendirrix architecture & urban planning has extensive experience in the new construction and renovation of public buildings. The firm is known for projects such as the pop venue Nieuwe Nor in Heerlen and the theater De Kattendans in Bergeijk. In Nijmegen, the firm is recognized for the Church-Monastery with residential care apartments in the former Kloostertuin Brakkenstein and the new Archaeological Depot on Nieuwe Dukenburgseweg. The architect, together with Croes Bouwtechnisch Ingenieursbureau (structural engineer), Huisman & Van Muijen installation consultants, and DGMR as advisor for Building Physics and Fire Safety, forms the core of the design team.