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Clay Moulded: A Revolutionary Approach to Musical Theatre Interior Design in Klaipėda, Lithuania

The newly completed Klaipėda State Musical Theatre stands as a testament to the power of tradition and innovation, thanks to the vision of architect Marius Mateika and the MAMA Architects team. Drawing inspiration from Klaipėda's sandy coastline and historic red clay brick architecture, the theatre's interior is enveloped in a dramatic, undulating clay surface. This ambitious project, which spanned five years with nine months dedicated solely to clay application, has resulted in what is believed to be the world's largest natural clay interior.

The heart of the design lies in its use of over 30 tonnes of clay, meticulously applied by hand across the theatre's 10,000m² space. The process, developed exclusively for this project, involved seven intricate stages-ranging from clay spraying and patterning to glazing and conservation-executed entirely on site. The continuous wave patterns, crafted by artist Mantas Petravičius, create a sense of movement throughout the auditorium, which seats 700 guests. Notably, the walls and ceilings are transformable, opening and closing to adapt acoustics for concerts, plays, or meetings, making the space uniquely responsive to the needs of each performance.

This innovative approach not only pays homage to Klaipėda's maritime and architectural heritage but also sets a new standard for sustainable and adaptive theatre design. The project overcame significant technical challenges, including maintaining a seamless pattern across vast surfaces and coordinating the complex, multi-stage clay application. The result is a visually striking and acoustically versatile environment that has garnered international acclaim, culminating in the Golden A' Design Award 2025 for Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design. The theatre now stands as a beacon of creative excellence and a landmark for the city of Klaipėda.

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