PaderHalle

The PaderHalle stands in the centre of Paderborn, a city in eastern Westphalia. Designed by Hardt-Waltherr Hämer, it opened in 1981 as the largest event building in the city. The architects placed it close to the Pader springs and the old town wall, linking the hall to the water’s edge. A second construction phase was planned but never built. The lower walls are clad in masonry, while the upper walls and roof are covered in lead sheeting. A 22.7-metre stage tower rises at the eastern end of the structure. The building rests on reinforced concrete slabs up to 1.5 metres thick to resist the pressure of the nearby springs. Inside, the theatre hall covers 568 square metres. The foyer adds another 394 square metres, giving space for 945 seats and 1 500 standing places. The stage machinery allows the hall to host concerts, plays and conferences. Its position between the springs and the old town wall makes it a landmark of modern architecture in the historic core. Visitors enter through the foyer, a bright space with wide corridors leading to the theatre. The lead-clad exterior gives the building a distinctive grey sheen. Inside, the theatre hall offers clear sightlines from every seat. The stage tower houses lighting and sound equipment for large productions. Outside, the nearby Pader springs and remnants of the city wall frame the hall, linking past and present.