Stratford, Ontario, Canada
Designed by Siamak Hariri, co-founder of Hariri Pontarini Architects, the Tom Patterson Theatre in Stratford, Ontario is a true state-of-the-art venue that embraces its riverside park setting with a glass-wrapped surface.
Tom Patterson Theatre has recently been awarded a 2023 International Architecture Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
The glazed curtain wall is accented by bronze extrusions fabricated in Spain and finished with a patina in Toronto.
The structure is oriented around the primary, horseshoe-shaped 600-seat auditorium.
The structure is wrapped in curving walls of sand-cast brick with mortar smooth to the surface to resemble stone.
Inside the wood-lined auditorium, 600 custom seats surround an elongated thrust stage, creating a theatrical setting of unparalleled intimacy and acoustic excellence.
Around this symmetrical volume, expressive glass wings were created that undulate along the river on one side of the building and the road on the other.
Extensive gardens and a terrace stretch between the structure and the river complete with walking paths and a selection of 25 varieties of plants and trees, many of which are indigenous to Ontario, according to the architecture studio.
On the inside, the curved walls and reflectors beneath catwalks support the finely-tuned acoustics in a room that can achieve total sound isolation as well as total darkness.
The public rooms include Lazaridis Hall, a versatile space for up to 250 people that can be configured for cabaret-style performances, screenings, and panel discussions.
Two 4.9-meter-high custom walnut acoustic doors open onto the lobby or acoustically separate the space for concurrent events.
The Spriet Members’ Lounge features a contemporary fireplace in a dramatic space with wraparound glazing that gently tapers beneath a wood-clad ceiling.
Three distinctive bars crafted from red, yellow, and white patterned marble anchor meeting points with exceptional views reinforce the connection between the theatre design and its natural setting.
Adjacent to the lobby is a skylighted café that opens onto a riverfront terrace.
Amenity spaces are fully accessible throughout, offering a range of viewing options in the auditorium for people with disabilities.
Back-of-house there is a dedicated rehearsal hall, accessible dressing rooms, a green room, and a company lounge.
The new theatre is one of four festival venues and replaces a previous and inadequate Tom Patterson Theatre on the same site.
Project: Tom Patterson Theatre
Architects: Hariri Pontarini Architects
Lead Designer: Siamak Hariri
General Contractor: EllisDon Corporation
Client: The Stratford Festival
Photographers: Doublespace Photography and Scott Norsworthy
