Young Vic

2006


Thom was senior architect on the external envelope of the Young Vic reconstruction project. The existing temporary venue for the renowned Young Vic Theatre on London’s South Bank had outlived its intended lifespan by 20 years when Haworth Tompkins won the commission to re-build their theatre.

Retaining the historic ‘butchers shop’ entry and famed in-the-round auditorium base, a greatly enlarged facility was constructed.

Despite being a new building, great care was taken to respect the rough-shod spirit of improvisation that is a hall-mark of the Young Vic.

The plan eschews tidiness in favour of colliding functional geometries, exploiting awkward corners and sectional differences to rich spatial effect.

A broad palette of low-cost materials further breaks down the building and prevents it being read as a single entity. Nowhere is this more apparent than the facades, where expanded aluminium mesh, artist-painted fibre-cement panels, bead-blasted concrete block, timber-framed glazing and special profiled bricks create a vivid play of textures.

Selected awards

  • RIBA Stirling Prize Shortlist 2008

  • Civic Trust Award: The Young Vic Theatre 2008

  • AIA/UK Award: The Young Vic Theatre 2008

City street at dusk with a building featuring red neon lighting and a modern, perforated metal facade.
Nighttime city scene with a modern building illuminated with warm yellow lights, a black vintage car in motion in the foreground, and a theater entrance with a red neon sign that reads 'Theatre'.
Interior of a multi-story building with large glass windows showing people outside and inside, warm lighting, brick walls, and wooden ceiling beams.
Modern ceiling with a series of black cylindrical light fixtures and a textured white ceiling design.
People waiting outside a glass-walled venue during evening hours, with an interior visible through the glass showing people gathered around a bar or stage area with bright lights.
Modern interior space with wooden elements, exposed brick wall, and stage lighting fixtures mounted on the ceiling.
Interior of an empty theater or auditorium with stage lighting, seating, and brick walls.