Royal National Theatre

Status: 2002
Location: South Bank, London

Client: Royal National Theatre Board
Value: £12.0m

 

“The central challenge in the project was to re-equip the National Theatre for the twenty-first century without diluting its strong character or confusing the logic of its diagram. Strategically, the project is indisputably admirable”

“Strategically, the project is indisputably admirable. Stanton Williams has made the National Theatre more accessible and more intelligible – and arguably more enjoyable.”The architectural critic Kenneth Powell

 

Stanton Williams were commisioned to develop a masterplan that would take into account the changing needs of the theatre for the 21st Century.

A design was developed with entrance and facilities rearranged to reinforce the relationship between the theatre and the River Thames and improve orientation. The foyer was extended to allow for better audience access, a shop and informal performances, bringing life and interest to the space.

A glass lift improved access to the foyer and a new outdoor performance space, Theatre Square, was created. The entire site was re-landscaped, including external and internal lighting and all seven foyer levels were refurbished, including bars and restaurants. New additions were designed with complementary materials. Complex logistics were developed to keep all three theatres open at all times during construction.

 

Credits
Photography: Peter Cook, Simon Cumminsky and Morley von Sternberg