DESIGNING THEATRICAL AND ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH (based on the experience of the Department of architectural environmental design)

The article explores the influence of educational, research, and competitive design of theatrical and spectacle buildings developed by professors and students of the Department of Architectural Environment Design at the Institute of Architecture and Design National University "Lviv Polytechnic". Within the framework of the contemporary cultural and educational environment, where active youth participation is a vital component of cultural development, there is a necessity for the creation of adaptive, innovative spaces for creativity and communication. The persistence of outdated architectural forms, characteristic of the Soviet period, particularly in segments like theaters for young audiences and puppet theaters, is emphasized. The absence of innovation in these types of structures at the beginning of the 21st century is noted, especially concerning theatrical and spectacle institutions such as theaters for young audiences and puppet theaters, which continue to exist but do not meet the modern needs for quality cultural education of Ukrainian youth. An analysis of over ten projects at all levels shows that a significant portion not only reproduces the concepts of architects from the second half of the 20th century but also incorporates elements inherited from theatrical and spectacle buildings of the former USSR. However, in recent years, the Lviv architectural school, particularly following the establishment of the Department of Architectural Environment Design, has shown a tendency towards experimentation and the search for innovative solutions for the architecture of the future. This is evidenced by the results of educational and competitive design projects, as well as the introduction of special courses that revive the ideas of futuristic architecture from the last century. Achievements in this field reflect the architectural visions of renowned masters such as F. Kiesler and I. Leonidov, as well as contemporary researchers like A. Quarmby, K. Tange, B. Fuller, G. Golmin and G. Kreiger, who explore the possibilities of future architecture. The article provides a classification of theatrical and spectacle centers for children and youth. The author discusses factors that continue to negatively impact the development of theatrical and spectacle centers in Ukraine in the future. The experience of designing research, educational, and competitive projects, exemplified by the activities of the Department of Architectural Environment Design, demonstrates that it can find application in the applied architectural and construction industry of the country as a whole.