Interior of the Forum Karlín Multipurpose Hall

Year2014

CategoryCivic Amenities, Interior

LocationPrague

StatusCompleted

The interior concept of Forum Karlín reflects the atmosphere of present-day Karlín – a place where the industrial past is still evident and, at the same time, new urban life is emerging, linked to office buildings, culture and exhibition spaces. The interior therefore works with the contrast between a rawer industrial character and a contemporary, refined environment that allows the space itself and the changing character of individual events to stand out.

The fundamental principle of the design is maximum flexibility. The multipurpose hall can adapt to different types of use – from large concerts, balls, banquets and theatre performances to more intimate cultural, social or corporate events. The individual parts of the interior are therefore designed to work in various configurations and to respond to changing numbers of visitors and modes of use.

The result is a space that retains its own distinctive identity while remaining a sufficiently neutral framework for a highly diverse programme. Here, Karlín’s industrial legacy meets the present not as a decorative motif, but as the fundamental principle of the atmosphere and character of the entire interior.

Design team	Martin Krupauer Pavel Kvintus Stanislava Blažková Andrej Kacera Martin Sedmák Luboš Bača Blanka Pöschlová

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Operational Layout

Each of the three levels of the main hall has its own lobby with a distinct atmosphere. The entrance lobby with cloakrooms and toilets is connected to the other two levels by a bespoke three-flight staircase. The basement lobby offers two bars and a gathering space for large events.

Behind the stage are service rooms, dressing rooms that can be converted into lecture halls, catering areas and offices.

Industrial Character and Materials

The industrial character of the place is reflected in the chosen materials and interior details. These include the concrete columns of the load-bearing structure, the exposed concrete of the main staircase and wall cladding in raw steel.

These elements are combined with finer details in the bar areas, the bespoke doors, the steel staircase and the mirrors on the upper floor. The floor of the main hall is laid with natural oak parquet.

Colour

The colour scheme of the interior meets the needs of productions, for which a dark space is important. However, the palette is not limited to black alone. Shades of grey gradually lighten towards the upper floors.

The monochrome range is complemented in surfaces and graphics by a striking yellow.