InsighTour Théâtre de Carouge: a dialogue between brick, light, and the performing arts

Architectural tour organized by Guiding Architects in cooperation with Brick Award

In May, an exceptional InsighTour took place at the Théâtre de Carouge, on the outskirts of Geneva, organized by Guiding Architects in cooperation with Brick Award. The visit brought together architects, students, and design enthusiasts to explore one of Switzerland’s most remarkable cultural projects in recent years.

Guiding Architects, article: InsighTour Théâtre de Carouge: a dialogue between brick, light, and the performing arts (Fig. 2) — ©Berta Urgel, Atours_lakegeneva

Completed in 2021 by the architectural firm Pont 12 Architectes, the new theater is a balanced synthesis of tradition and modernity. From the exterior, the light brick volumes are articulated with geometric precision, creating a sober presence that respects the urban scale of the surrounding neighborhood. The guides highlighted how the use of brick—a durable and timeless material—reinforces the identity of the building and establishes a dialogue with the architectural history of Carouge.

Guiding Architects, article: InsighTour Théâtre de Carouge: a dialogue between brick, light, and the performing arts (Fig. 3) — ©Berta Urgel, Atours_lakegeneva

The tour began in the central courtyard, where the design decisions and the integration of the building with the public space were discussed. Later, participants observed a detailed architectural model that revealed the complex internal organization: workshops, rehearsal rooms, technical areas, and stage spaces conceived to accommodate multiple theatrical formats.

Guiding Architects, article: InsighTour Théâtre de Carouge: a dialogue between brick, light, and the performing arts (Fig. 4) — InsighTour Théâtre de Carouge. ©Berta Urgel, Atours_lakegeneva

The highlight of the visit was the main auditorium, where attendees learned about the careful acoustic design, lighting, and the intimate relationship between the stage and the audience. Among the red seats and the serene atmosphere, it became evident how architecture can amplify the theatrical experience without overshadowing it.

Guiding Architects, article: InsighTour Théâtre de Carouge: a dialogue between brick, light, and the performing arts (Fig. 5) — InsighTour Théâtre de Carouge. ©Berta Urgel, Atours_lakegeneva

This tour not only offered an appreciation of the project’s technical and aesthetic quality but also invited reflection on how architecture can serve as a means to strengthen the cultural life and communal identity of a city.

Guiding Architects, article: InsighTour Théâtre de Carouge: a dialogue between brick, light, and the performing arts (Fig. 6) — ©Berta Urgel, Atours_lakegeneva

InsighTour in the presence of:

François Jolliet, architect at Pont 12
Berta Urgel, founder of Atours_lakegeneva and member of Guiding Architects
Veronika Schuster-Hofinger, project manager of the Brick Award (Wienerberger)