A striking new open-air theater has been completed in the small Swiss town of Lantsch/Lenz, located in the canton of Graubünden. The Freilichtbühne Lantsch, designed by Invias AG under the creative direction of Giovanni Netzer, presents an innovative architectural approach that harmonizes with both the historic surroundings and natural landscape.
The theater's most distinctive feature is its delicate timber structure, which sits beneath the historic Marienkirche (St. Mary's Church). The design team, led by Giovanni Netzer and Studio GAB, created an irregular triangular framework that resembles a house-of-cards composition. This unique structural approach achieves dual objectives: maintaining visual transparency while establishing a direct connection between the performance space and the surrounding natural environment.
Completed in 2024, the project encompasses 630 square meters and represents a thoughtful integration of temporary installation principles with cultural architecture. The timber construction method was chosen specifically to complement the gently rolling landscape of the Graubünden region, ensuring that the structure enhances rather than dominates its historic setting.
Photographer Sven Stoppani documented the completed project, capturing how the angular timber framework creates dynamic sight lines and spatial relationships. The building materials emphasize sustainability and regional craftsmanship, with wood serving as the primary construction element throughout the design.
The theater demonstrates how contemporary architectural solutions can respectfully coexist with historic religious architecture. By positioning the performance venue beneath the established Marienkirche, the design creates a dialogue between old and new while providing the community with a versatile cultural facility.
This project adds to Switzerland's growing portfolio of innovative cultural architecture, showcasing how temporary installations can become permanent community assets. The open-air theater in Lantsch/Lenz stands as an example of how modern design principles can honor traditional Alpine building practices while meeting contemporary performance requirements.
