Redesign of the Bénazetsaal
From January to the end of August 2011, the Bénazetsaal was completely renovated, with the official reopening ceremony taking place 30 August. In a seven-month construction period, BKV Bäder- und Kurverwaltung Baden-Württemberg invested around €8.2 million in completely redesigning the international spa city's "showpiece".
The design concept
The new design (BKV Technical Director: Heinz Bäuerlein, architect: Peter W. Kruse, Baden-Baden) was planned with reference to the main elements of the historical design, integrating them harmoniously in the new concept with a modern architectural language that conforms with the tradition, significance and task of the Bénazetsaal.
Taken in their entirety, the structural changes with the extended gallery, the design and colour scheme and the new sophisticated light concept create an astounding effect in the newly designed Bénazetsaal. The room appears to be more compact and more generous; the stage and hall seem to be closer together, with more harmonious proportions.
Putting things in the right light
In February 2011, the Bénazetsaal was completely gutted, leaving only the outside walls and the stage still standing. In a construction period of just seven months, this "skeleton" was then given a completely new design in technical, structural and visual terms. The historical barrelled ceiling was restored and fitted with three new crystal chandeliers; the gallery and side balconies were enlarged and redesigned; the steps were removed from the dance floor, the back wall of the hall and all surfaces were redesigned; the hall was given a new flooring and new windows; a completely new lighting system was installed, together with a new digital sound system and PA equipment as well as a fully digital video network. In addition, a new ventilation system was installed together with a new heating system as well as extensive fire safety measures.
Following renovation work in the 1950s and in the early 1980s, the redesign of Baden-Baden's "showpiece" was now the third major refurbishment for Bénazetsaal over its history of approximately 100 years, making it a splendid setting for major glamorous events – a jewel offering an unmistakable atmosphere in the KurhausCasino Baden-Baden, the famous landmark at the heart of the city.
A jewel for prestigious events
The redesign and the enlargement of the gallery increased the hall's capacity by adding between 50 and 200 places, depending on the seating arrangements. The Bénazetsaal can now take up to 1,289 guests in theatre-style seating instead of the 1,077 hitherto. "The transformation of the Bénazetsaal has been an outstanding success in every respect" said Silke Michel, Sales Manager at Bäder- und Kurverwaltung Baden-Württemberg.
She is thrilled with the new design of Baden-Baden's "showpiece": "In a very short period of time, great expense and huge commitment on all sides has turned a gem into a real jewel which impressively continues the great tradition of the KurhausCasino in general and the Bénazetsaal in particular. It now projects an unmistakable atmosphere, while offering the best state-of-the-art prerequisites for prestigious, unforgettable events on a very high level."