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The Fallen Leaf, designed by Eric Rodrigues, has been named the first-place winner of the competition for the new Sylvan open air theatre in Cherkasy City Park, Ukraine. With a plan to demolish the old building, the new theatre is inspired by nature: it integrates into the landscape of the Cherkasy municipal park and uses only natural and locally sourced stone and wood. The form of the glue laminated timber roof is that of a falling leaf, whose organic slope helps to enhance the theatre's acoustics.
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Further strengthening the design's acoustics and relationship to site, the theatre works below ground level, with an auditorium that holds 700 people. On the lower level, a courtyard provides natural light and ventilation and can also accommodate a bar setup. Also underground is the backstage area, including storage, changing rooms, and restrooms. Two areas accommodate guests with disabilities at the ground and lower levels.
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The design uses the natural slope of the site to augment seating capacity, which spans from the built theatre onto the green slope. The seating area is defined by concrete-supported soil and vegetation, blending the building into the landscape.
New via: Eric Rodrigues