Nussli has given theatre-goers in Switzerland a special architectural experience with its bespoke performance cube.

The 1000m sq temporary Bern Theatre cube, constructed in Bern Old Town square, has been clad to create a 'sense of the historic', says Nussli, while the municipal theatre undergoes restoration.

The new Nussli modular hall system has 480 seats, catering, backstage and technical areas as well as a cloakroom.

The system can be constructed within a short time, even in unusual locations, in any size and with column-free spans of up to 40 metres.

The pop-up took a month to complete and can be adapted if needs be. It started with the installation of the external structure, then the roof had sound and lighting fixtures attached to it at ground level before moving up to its final height.

A theatre program has been created to reflect the central position in the public square, including a tango milonga, a public viewing of the European Soccer Championship and a James Bond evening in addition to ballet, opera and drama.

Nussli project manager, Christian Frei, developed the modular hall. He said: “The modular hall system offers some important advantages, especially for construction projects in public places, on sensitive ground, or with limited access.”

He added the construction system requires no foundations and there is less point loading than with construction using conventional steel supports, and the total load is evenly distributed over the entire ground surface.

“Because it sits directly atop a parking garage which is subject to special static requirements, there were no problems for the theatre cube despite its 200-ton weight. No heavy crane equipment is needed, especially for assembly work in modular hall system.”

Nussli is now planning a double-decker bridge for the IndyCar race in Boston in September. It will cross over the racetrack to the South Boston waterfront and will be equipped as a VIP lounge.