Ice Flowers on the Lake: Kamal Theatre, Kazan, Russia

Views:431 Author:Site Editor Publish Time:2025-09-08 16:04:20 Orgin:Site
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△Project appearance©Andrey Artis

△Partial building facade©Dmitry Chebanenko

Design firm Kengo Kuma&Associates+Wowharus

Project location: Kazan, Russia

Built in 2025

Building area 98027 square meters

The project reconstructed the iconic Kamal Theater located in Kazan, Russia, under the design supervision of Kengo Kuma Architectural Urban Design Firm and in collaboration with the local architectural firm Wowharus, who led the design work.

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△Project appearance©Andrey Artis

△Partial building facade© Dmitry Chebanenko

The design inspiration comes from the image of a "frozen flower" blooming on the surface of Lake Kaban. The building facade is composed of triangular aluminum alloy frame units, with customized laminated glass embedded inside.

△The image of 'frozen flowers'© Dmitry Chebanenko

These panels, resembling "ice flakes," vary in angle and scale, presenting different light and shadow effects with changes in weather, seasons, and time periods.

△Different in angle and scale©Andrey Artis

From the other side of the lake, the entire building looks like a shining sculpture - both commemorative and delicate.

△Evening lighting effects©Dmitry Chebanenko

△Light and shadow effects that change over time©Andrey Artis

In contrast, the interior of the building uses warm materials and soft curves to create a welcoming and gentle atmosphere. The inspiration for the interior decoration of the theater comes from the ancient legend about the treasure of Lake Kaban. This imagery corresponds to the overall concept of architecture: ice crystal like roofs, wavy ceilings, and walls resembling treasure containers.

△Indoor theater©Dmitry Chebanenko

The design incorporates a large number of traditional styles and crafts, which are collaboratively completed by local Tatar artists and craftsmen, embedding regional cultural memories into spatial experiences.

△Indoor public space©Dmitry Chebanenko

△Design details©Dmitry Chebanenko

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There are 16 petal shaped walls in the project, each 11.4-meter-high, corresponding to a theater entrance and reflecting its spatial characteristics. Different colored metals are used in the wall decoration, shining and richly layered, presenting a light and intricate effect. The lighting on the walls will also vary depending on the time and performance schedule.

The theater will become a public space in the city and be open to the public. The four performance halls can accommodate a total of over 1300 spectators. All performance halls are designed with multiple functions, suitable for various forms of activities.

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The goal of this building is to become a container that carries the history and spirit of the region, conveying the rich connotations of this hierarchy through the contrast between the cold and delicate exterior and the warm and layered interior space.