Visitor Centre and Open Air Theatre for the Iron Gates National Park on the Danube

The Visitor Centre is the gateway to the spectacular Iron Gates National Park, extending from the banks of the Danube up to the crest of the Banat Mountains, in the southwest of Romania.

Situated at the confluence of the Danube with the Berzasca River, the Centre enjoys magnificent views of the river banks and the mountains. It provides easy access from both the main road and the river and serves as a spectacular starting point for biking and trekking lanes along the north bank.

The main feature of the Centre is a protruding pier extending from the linear wooden platform embracing the north bank of the river. Atop the pier is the main building – the Open-Air Theatre. The platform crosses the Berzasca river, acting as a landscaped bridge.

The Theatre has 250 seats inside the open shell, extending to 600 seats on the back platform. It is intended to host the "Danube Festival" and various other events, functioning as an attraction for the National Park Area. The choice of an open-air performance area was ecologically motivated to reduce energy consumption for environmental control.

The Theatre has a double-shell concrete structure covered with white TXActive concrete (Italcementi photocatalytic "smog-eating" concrete). The outer shell is perforated along the contour lines of an imaginary alphabet created by the iconic Romanian artist Stefan Calarasanu, symbolizing the long and intricate history of the site.

The ancillary spaces are situated between the shells, and a double flight of stairs allows visitors to step atop the outer edge of the theatre, enjoying tremendous views of the park and river valley.

The curved, dark walnut inner wall of the Centre is covered with gilded runes cast by the artist Călărașanu. A shining undulating ceiling glimmers into the shadow of the outer shell.

TEAM

LINKS

Andreescu and Gaivoronschi
associated architects

Piata Sfantu Gheorghe no 4, ap 10 Timisoara
tel +40 256 306042