KOKO Architects – Silman,
Customized lighting.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Tallinn City Theatre is one of Estonia’s most iconic cultural institutions, located in the heart of Tallinn’s medieval Old Town. The theatre occupies a unique complex of 17 interconnected merchant houses, some dating back several centuries, creating an atmospheric setting that blends history with contemporary performance art. Originally established in the 1960s, the theatre has grown into a leading repertory venue, celebrated for its artistic freedom and ensemble-driven productions.
The Talin City Theatre in Estland has undergone a major renovation and expansion of the complex.
The renovation project was led by KOKO Architects, a renowned Estonian firm specializing in heritage-sensitive design. Their challenge was to modernize the theatre while preserving its historical character. The design introduced a new underground main hall two stories below ground, seating 350 people—the largest in the complex—alongside upgraded technical infrastructure for lighting, sound, and stage mechanics.
Location & Concept, Lai 23, 10133 Talinn
Why Renovation Was Needed:
The renovation was driven by several factors
- Capacity Limitations: Existing spaces were too small to meet growing audience demand.
- Technical Upgrades: Outdated stage technology limited artistic possibilities.
- Heritage Preservation: Structural issues and archaeological findings required careful restoration under strict conservation rules.
- Future-Proofing: The theatre aimed to create flexible spaces for diverse productions while maintaining its cultural and historical identity.
THE CHALLENGE
The project had two challenges.
- The client had a strict budget limit for a decorative art piece.
- The original concept exceeded this budget,
prompting a need for budget engineering without compromising the artistic vision.
A striking feature of the renovation is the placement of contemporary chandeliers in highly visible areas. These custom-designed pieces act as true showstoppers, blending modern aesthetics with the theatre’s historic ambiance. Their bold presence underscores the project’s philosophy: harmonizing heritage with innovation to create a space that is both timeless and forward-looking.
QUASAR’S SOLUTION
Quasar proposed a budget engineering approach: once the budget was confirmed, they would design the best possible fixture within those constraints. The client accepted this approach, allowing Quasar to prioritize visual effect and feasibility over rigid specifications.
Collaborative Design Adjustments
Fixture Size: Initially proposed as a large, sculptural piece (~5.2m height), the design was split into three parts to reduce production complexity and facilitate transport.
- LED Density: The number of LEDs was optimized to maintain visual impact while reducing material and labor costs.
- Mounting & Suspension: Simplified cable suspension system (6 cables). Drivers placed above the ceiling to avoid costly canopy solutions.
- Packaging: Designed for efficient handling and minimal cost, using wooden frames with transparent plastic.
ASSEMBLY
Our team does manual craftmanship. In addition to focusing on quality, they also pay attention to the aesthetics. Form & function remain in perfect balance, tailored to the unique character of every space.
This case underlines how Quasar supports architects and designers in pushing the boundaries of light, delivering solutions that are as technically sound as they are visually compelling.
The fixture is thoroughly inspected and tested before transport to ensure everything is functioning properly. Packaging is also done manually, and in many cases, this is a part of a custommade proces.
THE OUTCOME
The final fixture met both requirements, budget and design expectations. It was delivered ahead of schedule and we received positive feedback from the client and public. The project showcases Quasar’s ability to adapt creatively to budget limitations while delivering high-end, custom lighting solutions.
REALISATION
A tailored installation guide allows the fixture to be installed by either the client or a professional installer.
The design has now come to life …. resulting in a beautiful final outcome. The lightsculpture has a magnetic effect on people passing by. It not only enlightens the room where it was meant for, but also became a part of the outdoor lightingplan.