La Media Torta Open Air Theater

Bogotá, Colombia

Category Cultural | Renovation
Job type 2nd Place, National competition
Date 2022
Size 4,186 m²
Client Instituto Distrital de las Artes - IDARTES
Status Competition

The amphitheater typology transcends in time, and La Media Torta is proof of it. For over 80 years, it's been located in the Andean foothills, close to the equator. Characterized by the abundant vegetation that surrounds it and a metropolis under construction as its backdrop.

Our proposal understands the historical and heritage value that La Media Torta and Casona de la Danza complex has in the context of Bogotá's Historic district:

An amphitheater, contained by abundant vegetation and guarded by the Casona and the Eastern Mountains of the city. A popular theater in which all social classes have access to culture and recreation.

The stage building is upgraded to meet contemporary standards for stage mechanics. It recycles part of the existing structure, its levels, and the morphological configuration of the floorplan.

The technical improvements include a fly system, a pit, adjustable acoustic panels, a lower backstage, new changing rooms, service elevators, and a generous storage area to bring the facility to the 21st century.

The isoptic and the acoustic of the theater are improved, creating an active urban border towards the Circunvalar Avenue and protecting the site from the noise pollution of the cars.

The restoration of the Casona de la Danza takes advantage of its natural viewpoint condition towards a nearby park and continues the rhythm of the columns of the old porch of the Casona. A transparent open-sky multipurpose space to complement the activities of the building.