Young Vic, London
- Client: Young Vic Theatre Company
- Principal designer: Haworth Tompkins
- Principal engineer: Max Fordham
- Principal contractor: Verry Construction
- Contract value: £7 million
About the project
The renovated Young Vic has delighted both existing and new audiences, opened up new opportunities for the theatre and provided a focus for regeneration of The Cut.
The original Young Vic, built in 1970, was a series of block structures around a retained butcher’s shop used as a makeshift foyer. Designed for a limited life-span, redevelopment became inevitable. The challenge was to keep its original spirit and ad hoc aesthetic at the same time as improving comfort levels and public facilities.
The main auditorium has been transformed, with new entrances and lighting and extra seating. There is a new foyer, and two new studio theatres, office and workshop space have been added. The need to use cheap, robust materials because of a limited budget became something to celebrate, not cover up. The design was developed with theatre artists, local people and Young Vic staff, and the client was involved right down to the detail.
The Young Vic is an all-day meeting place as well as a theatre. The transition from day to night is cleverly conveyed by a silver mesh uplit at night in front of hand-painted cement board panels by artist Clem Crosby.
Judges' comment
"The refurbishment is a seductive combination of ‘as found’ and raw, new materials."
