NTB Reconstruction

Aurel Drăgan - the NTB building between Ceauşescu's absurd game and the fear of an earthquake

The 51 million euros project, 27 million of which come from the Council of Europe Development Bank, will extend for a period of three years and will transform the NTB into a building open 13 hours a day. "In theatres from the great European capitals, the norm is to have open cultural centres, where people can stay all day long, whether they go to see a play afterwards or not" said Belea, who gave the Barbican Hall Theater in London as an example. The current area of 60,000 square feet will remain the same, but it will also include a cafe, exhibition and workshop halls and bookshops.

Aurel Drăgan - the NTB building between Ceauşescu's absurd game and the fear of an earthquake

The 51 million euros project, 27 million of which come from the Council of Europe Development Bank, will extend for a period of three years and will transform the NTB into a building open 13 hours a day. "In theatres from the great European capitals, the norm is to have open cultural centres, where people can stay all day long, whether they go to see a play afterwards or not" said Belea, who gave the Barbican Hall Theater in London as an example. The current area of 60,000 square feet will remain the same, but it will also include a cafe, exhibition and workshop halls and bookshops.

"Lăptăria" stays in the new formula

"The Actors Cafe will have to go because it doesn't make sense to stick a wooden structure to the NTB building, while Lăptăria lui Enache, which has already become an institution, not just a name, will find a whole new place within the complex" explained the architect. At the same time, the total number of audience seats will increase from the present 1,720 to about 3,100. The outdoor arena on the rooftop of the building will welcome 300 spectators and will allow the shows to continue during the summer season too.