Lever de Rideau: A Theatre in Cachan

In Cachan, a suburb south of Paris, Ateliers O-S Architectes was commissioned with transforming a local theatre building, originally built in the early twentieth century, into a thriving cultural centre. The commission went well beyond merely rebuilding and modernising an existing structure. Rather, the firm was tasked with creating an entirely new neighbourhood. Everything but the auditorium and stage of the old building was demolished and replaced with a more spacious, new complex including an additional hall, a new foyer and exhibition space, a restaurant, and new rooms for building and stage equipment. The neighbouring tennis court became a public park. Lever de Rideau presents the creation of Cachan’s new Jacques Carat Theater. Designed to mimic a theatre programme, the book brings together short essays and interviews; portraits of key protagonists; a graphic short story; and ample illustrations, including plans and photographs by celebrated French photographer Cyrille Weiner, which show the building embedded in Cachan’s urban fabric. Offering captivating behind-the-scenes insights, this unconventional book will be welcomed by readers interested in modern architecture and urban planning.
Text in English and French.
AUTHOR: Rafael de Magrou is an architect, architectural historian, and a lecturer at the Ecole Nationale Superieure d'Architecture Paris-Malaquais. He also works as a writer and curator. Founded in 2002 by Vincent Baur, Guillaume Colboc, and Gael Le Nouene, Ateliers O-S Architectes is a Paris-based architectural firm working on a range of projects, from temporary installations to urban and cultural commissions.
149 colour, 18 b/w illustrations