The Theater Winterthur, an iconic work by architect Frank Krayenbühl from the late 1970s, has completed a comprehensive renovation that demonstrates profound respect for the original architectural vision. The building, which combines elements of Brutalism and High-Tech architecture, underwent extensive restoration work by EMI Architects from Zurich after nearly four decades of operation.
Opened in 1979, the theater occupies a prominent location in the city garden, just about five minutes from Winterthur's main railway station. The facility encompasses an auditorium for approximately 800 guests, a foyer, dining facilities, artist dressing rooms, and a multi-story underground parking garage. With about 3,200 square meters of gross floor area and approximately 70 employees, it serves as Switzerland's largest touring theater venue.
The renovation became necessary primarily due to relatively high energy consumption. Additional factors included outdated stage technology and requirements for accessibility and fire safety compliance. The building has been under cantonal protection since 2012, and by 2016, discussions about demolition and replacement construction were taking place before the city clearly decided in favor of preservation.
The public debate centered less on architectural considerations than on financing issues. Several cost estimates had changed significantly during the process, leading to criticism about transparency. The final renovation cost amounted to approximately 38 million Swiss francs. The city ultimately committed to preserving this architectural heritage rather than pursuing new construction.
EMI Architects received the contract for the renovation through a designer selection process launched by the City of Winterthur in 2019. The team was supported by various specialist firms, including Lüchinger Meyer Partner from Lucerne, who handled structural planning. A team led by Beat Waldispühl, Gertrud Fehringer, and Heinz Schwarz was responsible for the period-appropriate restoration work.
According to the city's press release, the construction work was completed within one year. The interventions demonstrate great respect for Frank Krayenbühl's work, as noted by City Councilor Christa Meier. The architects' targeted interventions integrate seamlessly into the existing design language of the building.
The restoration work focused on preserving the original character while updating essential systems. Original color schemes were meticulously restored, including the blue load-bearing structure, orange ventilation technology, and red doors. All new installations received coordinated design treatment to maintain the spatial impression. Facade panels were refurbished, and roof insulation was added to improve energy efficiency, along with photovoltaic systems and supplementary skylights.
All previous modifications to the building were removed during the renovation process. For example, the originally linear exterior space was restored according to original plans. The most significant innovations are technical in nature and affect the theater hall itself. Additions include a fully automated stage rigging system, an elevator, and suspended acoustic panels.
The ground floor received primarily aesthetic enhancements, with the foyer now featuring brand-new built-in furniture and a specially designed bar. This careful balance between preservation and modernization ensures that the theater can continue serving the community while maintaining its architectural integrity for future generations.
The project serves as an exemplary case of heritage conservation, demonstrating how mid-20th century architectural landmarks can be sensitively updated to meet contemporary needs without compromising their original design vision. The renovation ensures that Krayenbühl's architectural legacy will continue to serve Winterthur's cultural community for decades to come.
