Kassel is one of the most traditional theater cities in Germany. It was in this city that the Ottoneum was built around 400 years ago as Germany's first permanent theater building. The Kassel State Orchestra, which has been in existence for over 500 years, is also one of the oldest cultural orchestras in the world. As the Staatstheater's main auditorium will be renovated from the 2025/2026 season, the city of Kassel has commissioned NUSSLI to build an interim venue for the joint theater sponsors, the city of Kassel and the state of Hesse. NUSSLI has an impressive reference portfolio and has successfully implemented such concepts several times, such as the interim solution for Munich's Gasteig, where NUSSLI realized the Isarphilharmonie (Philharmonic Hall) and the Gasteig HP8 interim venue. Last Monday, the go-ahead was given for the construction with Lord Mayor Sven Schoeller, Minister of State Timon Gremmels, Artistic Director Florian Lutz, GWG Managing Director Uwe Gabriel and NUSSLI (Germany) Managing Director Bernd Helmstadt. The opening is planned in 15 months.
Precise construction schedule and rapid implementation
The implementation of the interim venue for the Staatstheater Kassel requires precise construction scheduling that covers all relevant areas of a complex construction project. NUSSLI therefore relies on an experienced team whose comprehensive expertise and experience enables them to recognize potential bottlenecks at an early stage and initiate countermeasures in good time. The use of prefabricated modules and elements, which are manufactured in parallel with other construction work, also saves considerable time and enables rapid construction progress to be made. This strategy minimizes disruption and maximizes efficiency, which is particularly important for projects with strict deadlines. With detailed construction scheduling, NUSSLI ensures that the project is completed on time and within budget.
Functionality of the interim venue
The new interim venue will be designed as a versatile, multifunctional building that offers a wide range of set-up options. This flexibility requires careful planning across all trades and the use of state-of-the-art stage technology, acoustics, and technical building equipment. NUSSLI is contributing its extensive experience and expertise to create a building that meets the high demands of the Staatstheater. Particular attention is paid to ensuring that the stage and auditoriums meet the acoustic and visual requirements in order to guarantee an optimal theater experience. The technical equipment will be designed in such a way that it can be quickly and easily adapted to different types of events, from classical theater performances to concerts and modern performance art pieces. This makes the interim venue a true all-rounder and an important cultural center during the renovation of the Staatstheater.
Sustainability is a central aspect
Sustainability and innovation are central aspects in the construction process of the interim venue of the Staatstheater Kassel. NUSSLI attaches particular importance to sustainability and resource-saving construction methods. Materials that minimize the ecological footprint of the project are used in the construction of the interim venue. NUSSLI also uses innovative construction methods that enable fast and efficient realization. The use of prefabricated elements is an essential part of this strategy, as it not only shortens the construction time, but also reduces construction waste and simplifies site logistics. In addition, the modular theater construction can be completely dismantled and can be reassembled at any other location in the world after the performance in Kassel.
Strong teamwork
To ensure the fastest possible realization of the interim venue, the city of Kassel has used its subsidiary GWG — Gemeinnützige Wohnungsbaugesellschaft der Stadt Kassel mbH — as investor and builder. The temporary building will therefore be erected by GWG on behalf of the city of Kassel, subsequently rented by it and sublet to the Staatstheater Kassel, which is authorized by the state of Hesse.
The GWG has commissioned NUSSLI as general contractor to build the interim venue. GWG and NUSSLI are planning to start construction in September, following preparatory work such as the completion of the floor slab. The steel structure, including the outer shell, should be completed by the end of the year, followed by the interior fit-out from January 2025. The ambitious schedule envisages the Staatstheater moving in during the summer in parallel with the finishing work and the building being handed over in the fall of 2025. The period of use for the replacement venue is linked to the period of the general refurbishment; it is currently expected to last five years.
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