Clay Moulded

Musical Theatre for Mama architects

For the interior decor, the designers chose an archaic material, clay. It is probably the largest interior in the world made of natural clay. The pattern and technology of the hall is unique and continuous throughout the space, created by one artist Mantas Petravicius. All planes are in motion. They open and close, depending on the nature of the concert and the acoustics required; that's what makes this space even more unique.

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Clay Moulded by Marius Mateika

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Musical Theatre by Marius Mateika

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Marius Mateika Clay Moulded

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Marius Mateika Musical Theatre

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Mama architectsBrand Logo

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Unique Properties

For the interior décor, we chose an archaic material - clay. It is probably the largest interior in the world made of natural clay. The pattern and technology of the hall is unique and continuous throughout the space, created by one artist Mantas Petravičius. All planes are in motion. They open and close (as you can see in photo 3) depending on the nature of the concert and the acoustics required. And that's what makes this space even more unique.

Tags

Klaipėdos muzikinis teatras, Klaipėda state musical theatre, MAMA architects

Production Technology

We used over 30 tonnes of clay for the walls and ceilings of the entire interior. This work took nine months to complete using unique tools created exclusively for this work and was carried out by the hands. The clay coating process is also unique, developed exclusively for this theatre.The process itself consists of 7 stages (clay spraying, patterning, drying, scrubbing, re-spraying, glazing, conservation). It takes about 3 weeks to complete all the steps. The whole process was implemented on the construction site.

Design Challenge

The decor of the main hall is a continuous pattern starting at one end of the hall and ending at the other. Meanwhile, the process required major interruptions and took 9 months. The hardest part was to bring everything together into a coherent picture. The rest of the public spaces (lobbies, passages, staircases) are also made of clay. Here, the pattern is different, but also handmade.

Project Duration

The project lasted 5 years. The clay decoration alone took 9 months. The theatre is realized in Klaipeda, Lithuania.

Operation Flow

This theatre has transformable walls and ceilings. They open up. This controls sound reflections. The space adapts to the event. (Depending on whether it's a concert, a play, an meeting event).

Research

Clay was used for wall and ceiling decor. The whole process was done by hand in stages: 1.) First, the clay is sprayed, then swiped with special tools made just for this object to form waves. 2.) Waiting for everything to dry. Then the sharp corners are scrubbed. 3.) Repeat the spraying with a thinner layer. After spraying, the clay shall be brushed to distribute the clay evenly and to form a soft surface. 4.) Wait for everything to dry. 5.) Everything is impregnated and preserved.

Inspiration

The city of Klaipėda, where the theatre is located, is by the sea. We were inspired by the sandy coastline of the sea and the shores shaped by the waves. Klaipėda is an old city dominated by red clay brick buildings. For us, the sea and the clay became the basis for the idea. As this is a theatre, clay seemed to us to be the right material to create a dramatic mood.

Image Credits

Photographer: Leonas Garbačauskas

Project Overview

Clay Moulded Musical Theatre has been a Golden winner in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Gold A' Design Award is granted to designs that demonstrate a high level of innovation and a significant impact on their intended audience. Recognized as a major achievement by the A' Design Awards, these designs are characterized by their visionary approach and the exceptional skill of their creators. Winners of the Gold A' Design Award are noted for their ability to push the envelope in art, science, design, and technology, delivering solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations. These designs serve as benchmarks for excellence, encouraging further innovation and inspiring future generations of designers.

Golden Recognition

Marius Mateika was recognized with the coveted Golden A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Clay Moulded Musical Theatre.

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