Vidy Theater Renovation and Extension, Designed by Max Bill in 1964 for the National Exhibition, the theatre was initially intended for just six months of use. Its acquisition by the City of Lausanne, under the leadership of director Charles Apothéloz, and the continuation of its theatre activities have made it possible to conserve part of the large pavilion. Several successive teams have made Vidy an international reference, a major contribution to the cultural influence of Lausanne.
© Matthieu Gafsou
The production equipment (hall, stage, boxes, workshops) was obsolete and completely out of sync with the work being done, requiring renovation and placement in compliance with the entire building. The volume of the large hall was increased, while a new rehearsal hall, built on the site of the former Cour des Arts, brought to an end the divisions that followed Expo 64.
© Matthieu Gafsou
Every intervention was studied in detail together with a cultural heritage commission, for instance, the mouldings of the renovated façades in stainless steel, which contrast with the surrounding nature, as they did originally. To the north, where the “The Art of the Garden” exhibition was held in 1964, the park welcomes the public at the theatre’s entrance, forming a large green square in dialogue with the recent wooden pavilion by Yves Weinand and the foliage of the trees.
Project Info
Architects: PONT12 architectes
Country: Switzerland, Lausanne
Area: 5196 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs: Matthieu Gafsou
Design Team: PONT12 architectes
Project Owner: City of Lausanne
Sanitary Planning: BA Consulting
Facade Engineer: BCS SA
Sophie Tremblay is a Montreal-based architectural editor and designer with a focus on sustainable urban development. A McGill University architecture graduate, she began her career in adaptive reuse, blending modern design with historical structures. As a Project Editor at Arch2O, she curates stories that connect traditional practice with forward-thinking design. Her writing highlights architecture's role in community engagement and social impact. Sophie has contributed to Canadian Architect and continues to collaborate with local studios on community-driven projects throughout Quebec, maintaining a hands-on approach that informs both her design sensibility and editorial perspective.