At first sight, theatre and architecture world appear to be opposites – one a time- restricted art-form experienced in space, the other a spatial art experienced over time. Boris Micka associates (BMA), though, challenges this assumption, emphasising the unambiguous and deep-rooted relationship between theatre, architecture, and how they are experienced.
The Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2020 is an excellent case-in-point, in BMA founder – Boris Micka’s words: “The architecture itself has embedded a lot of technology in it.The building ‘grows’ with the sunset, it behaves completely differently during the day and at night. Inside, visitors would be awed by the sense of ‘infinite’ space, and they will feel the building to be so much more than what is perceived from the outside… How does this happen? It is the advanced spatial design, effective scenography and immersive environment that transforms the visitors’ experience. The architecture becomes theatre, the whole building comes alive! The pavilion will showcase Saudi Arabia’s rich history, diverse cultures and hospitable people. We hope that visitors will be inspired to interact with this dynamic and rapidly evolving nation.”
This is not the first time BMA has created a piece of theatrical design for a Saudi Pavilion. Back in Shanghai in 2010, more than 25,000 people per day visited the structure, and it won the Gold Medal for Best Pavilion by Bureau International des Expositions [BIE] and the Red Dot Award Design, Best of the Best 2010. “One of the latest projects that I am very proud of, is the Istanbul Archaeological Museum.
It is one of the most important museums being refurbished right now in Europe,” says Boris. “It’s a beautiful space. Whenever I am there amongst the exhibited treasures, I feel extremely rewarded, seeing how we have managed to recover and enhanced the magnificence of these artefacts.” BMA is also currently collaborating with German company TMS on the design and contents for the new wing of the American Museum of Natural History in New York; famed as one of the most visited museums in the world. Whatever the project, BMA always strives to move beyond the imagination, fuelled by team members who are passionate, creative, and love what they do.
