Deus ex machina is an expression from classical theatre that literally means ‘god from a machine.’ In the days of the ancient Greeks and Romans, theatre writers introduced a god, or deus ex machina, whenever their story stalled. This narrative technique, like a bolt from the blue, could suddenly bring a story to its conclusion. Such a dramatic intervention could only be carried out by a divine or supernatural figure. This unexpected turn seems to have inspired the design of the Leietheater, or Cultural Centre, as it was initially called during the early stages of the architectural competition.

The temporary collaboration between ATAMA & V+ architects took an unexpected approach by boldly proposing an alternative location for the building and the car park. By planning the parking lot underground, they not only created more space for a park with trees but also reduced the impact of noise and vibrations within the building. The main reason for positioning the theatre next to the museum and opposite the administrative center was to strengthen the civitas, or the density of the urban core. In this way, the whole complex, functioning as a social condenser, would be more than just the sum of its parts. By situating the theatre next to the museum and around a park, the entire urban development plan of architects Marie-José van Hee and Robbrecht & Daem—a redevelopment of the market square and Leie riverbanks—received its grand finale.