Renovation and adaptation

• Site and date: Berlin, 2025
• Client: Live Nation

“Alizé” will be performed at the Theatre am Potsdamer Platz in late 2025. This unique new show by Cirque du Soleil blends the stage and the auditorium into a new world. Visitors are invited to enter this world as soon as they step into the foyer—even before they enter the theatre!

Renzo Piano’s original guiding principle as the theatre’s architect was a foyer experience on the forecourt in front of the theatre. The interior space was reduced to such an extent that only vertical movement (the main staircase) and access to the auditorium on all levels take place here. A continuous void and glass facade separate the forecourt from the interior.

Despite extensive planning, plenty of ideas, and ultimately a massive budget cut, several strong elements were still brought to life. An exterior curtain in a vivid theatre red almost completely conceals the glass façade and lends the interior an introverted character. An oversized portrait of Alizé overlooks the entire foyer area. Soothing colours, light carpeting, custom lighting, blue steel panelling at the bars and cloakroom, and fresh furniture. Decorated with large trees and a costume exhibition as themes of the performance. A VIP lounge and merchandise shop were incorporated into the design. A new Cirque du Soleil world has emerged around the elegant Alizé.

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