Norwegian firm Snøhetta has been selected to renovate the avant-gardist national theatre, Théâtre Nanterre-Amandiers in France, announced by the City Council of Nanterre.

Snøhetta's new design scheme give a new life to the building and the theatre itself "by improving the overall visitor experience and the working conditions for artists and staff."

The building is situated in the commune of Nanterre, the Théâtre Nanterre-Amandiers has been breaking down boundaries between artists and their audiences ever since the theatre was established in the late 1960’s. 

The theatre is known for its high-quality performances and its openness to the rest of world which attracts some of the most prestigious artists and theatre directors.

"To work with this cutting-edge theatre is an honor. We are deeply committed to follow the great past and present of the Théâtre Nanterre-Amandiers, whilst responsibility carrying its tradition into the future," said Founding Partner of Snøhetta, Kjetil Trædal Thorsen.

The architectural renovation will be led by Snøhetta and supported by collaborators SRA Architectes, theatre consultant Kanju, the Departmental Service of Architecture and Heritage and engineers Khephren, Egis, Elioth and SLETEC. Renovation is scheduled to start in January 2020 with completion estimated for early 2022.

Snøhetta also won the competition to design a children's museum in El Paso, Texas last week. On the other hand, the fate of Snøhetta's ufo-like artist house "A House to Die In" had been left to the decision of Norwegian local authorities, but we couldn't hear any updated news about the building. 

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