New InsighTour: Architectural Tour of the Théâtre de Carouge
Join us for an exclusive architecture tour of the Théâtre de Carouge with François Jolliet, architect at Pont 12—don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the design behind the scenes!
As in previous years, Guiding Architects continues to organise Insightours in cooperation with Brick Award. Get an insight into a building that was nominated for the Brick Award 24! Participation is free of charge but places are limited so reserve a spot as soon as possible.
The Brick Award is an international award launched by Wienerberger in 2004 to recognise outstanding brick architecture from around the world. A pre-jury selects the 50 nominees, before an international jury of renowned architects chooses the category winners and the winners of the two main prizes.
InsighTour – Théâtre de Carouge, Switzerland
The Théâtre de Carouge integrates with precision into the compact urban fabric of the southern Geneva district. Completed in 2021 by the architectural firm Pont 12 Architectes, the project meets a complex functional brief while optimising the site’s spatial constraints, marked by a limited footprint and a densely built environment.
The spatial organisation of the building is structured around five major programme components: three performance halls with distinct configurations, the renovated Salle des Fêtes, and a public esplanade. The circulation scheme has been carefully designed to ensure seamless flow between public and technical zones, with a clear separation between the movement of audiences, performers, and technical staff. The main foyer, facing the esplanade, offers visual and functional permeability with the public realm. To the rear, the assembly hall plays a central role in forming a technical courtyard, which facilitates the efficient logistics of set construction and stage equipment.
The Salle des Fêtes has undergone a meticulous restoration, preserving its original Brutalist architectural language while being upgraded to meet current standards of comfort, functionality, and accessibility.
The architectural envelope is defined by a tiered volumetry, sculpted precisely within regulatory height and setback constraints. The absence of expansion joints in the brick cladding enhances the monolithic reading of the structure, reinforcing its formal coherence. The selection of an elongated beige brick with a raw texture and restrained detailing allows for subtle variations in light reflection depending on solar incidence, while also providing material continuity with the surrounding built context and greenery. This materiality plays a key role in rooting the project within its site.
Guided tour: Monday, May 26 · 6:30 – 8pm CEST
Meeting point: Rue Ancienne 37a
37a Rue Ancienne 1227 Carouge Switzerland
Programme:
6.30pm | Welcome on the esplanade 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)
● Guided tour of the theatre: hall, three new performance rooms and renovated Salle des Fêtes.
8pm | Theatrical performance on the esplanade, offering a unique opportunity to see the building in action and extend the architectural experience. Théâtre de Carouge
Language: French
Reserve your place for free here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/guided-architecture-insightour-theatre-de-carouge-tickets-1295884147369
