The renovation of the Pyynikki Summer Theatre’s 360-degree rotating auditorium has been designed with tradition in mind. The renovation has improved safety and seating comfort for the audience.
Tampere’s historic Pyynikki revolving summer theatre has a new auditorium.
The old rows of benches have been replaced by glass chairs to provide more space for movement.
New corridors have also been installed in the centre of the grandstand to make it easier to enter and exit the grandstand. Previously, the aisles were located at the edges of the grandstand, which made it difficult, for example, to deal with first aid situations.
– We can now easily remove spectators from the stands if necessary, Soikkeli says.
Durability and seating comfort of the stand were also taken into account in the design.
– We have tested different benches and made our choices carefully, Soikkeli advises.
The seating capacity of the new grandstand has decreased slightly. There were 836 seats in the old grandstand, while there are just over 800 in the current grandstand.
Next spring, the canopy of the stand will be renewed. The old one has already been patched.
Respecting traditions
– We first contacted the city’s visual architect and the provincial museum. We are looking at old pictures of what the summer theater once looked like. From there, we started to figure out what the stand should be like, Allinniemi describes.
Pyynik’s summer theater stand is especially known for rotating 360 degrees. Speed \u200b\u200band direction are controlled with two pedals.
– The auditorium is very special because it is not a building, but a mechanical device, Allinniemi says.
Allinniemi says that due to the exceptional nature of the stand, the structural designer was involved in the project from the very beginning. We discussed with him the fixings and weight of the stand.
The city wants to invest
Pyynik’s summer theater has been in financial difficulties in recent years. Last April, it changed from a foundation to a limited company. The reason for the change was to secure the operation and future of the summer theater.
The renovation of the auditorium was paid for by the city of Tampere, which owns the Pyynik summer theater buildings. The summer theater is available for rent in the area.
– The city is responsible for deciding what to do in the destination. The city has wanted to invest in this stand, Piia Soikkeli is happy.
In the coming years, we will also think about improving the experience of the entire area in cooperation with the city, Soikkeli reveals.
*What kind of thoughts does the new stand evoke? You can comment on the topic on 13.10. until 11 p.m.*