RENOVATION AND REDESIGN OF A LISTED MODERNIST BUILDING

• Exterior Architecture
• Interior Architecture
• Interior Design
• Lighting Design

The name “Thalia”, inspired by the ancient muse of comedy and laughter, reflects the cultural concept behind the building. The historical origins of the structure date back to 1829. Initially a circus, it was later used for theater performances, then evolved into a cinema with a café, featured three living flamingos in an outdoor enclosure, and operated as a club in the 1990s. Throughout, the venue has always been synonymous with entertainment and culture. In 1956, the building was redesigned by the Austrian architect Rudolf Vorderegger and became one of the few surviving examples of modernist architecture. Today, the entire building and its interior, including the original furnishings, are under monument protection, which makes its use difficult and has led to its gradual decay. In 2024, the Thalia underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in close cooperation with the Federal Monuments Office and restorers. The aim was to respectfully redesign and revitalize the venue, preserving its historical elements while integrating the mid-century flair of the 1950s into the present day. Key features were carefully restored and combined with new design elements. Alongside the revitalization of the façade and windows, the building’s existing artwork and furnishings were conserved and incorporated to retain the historical essence as much as possible. This ensured that the spirit of the era was preserved while also evolving. The redesigned space consists of three areas: the Mid-Century Lounge with a cocktail bar, a club area equipped with a modern lighting and sound system, and a Speakeasy Lounge. The heart of the Thalia is still the legendary rotating dance floor, which has also been carefully restored and renovated, and now spins again for everyone. The new interior color scheme is subtle, with recurring flamingo pink—paying homage to the past—serving as a color accent against the muted tones of the building. By restoring the vertical sliding windows, the Beletage is once again accessible and now opens up to the city, reestablishing the connection between the interior and its urban surroundings.

• project name: CIRCLE THALIA
• function: hospitality
• location: Graz
• floor space: 545 m²
• number of floors: 1
• construction start: 07/2024
• completion: 11/2024
• project team:

  • Manuel Ortner, Martin Lesjak, Jörg Kindermann

• photographer: Paul Ott