National Theatre

Setting the stage for the next fifty years

The National Theatre is one of the world’s most important producing theatres, a creative factory in the heart of London’s South Bank cultural district. It is also one of the UK’s finest examples of Brutalist architecture. The original conception of the National Theatre is directly derived from its riverside setting and its visual relationship with key landmark buildings across. This combined with the layered strata of platforms and terraces create a unique internal / external relationship for gathering events and public stages. The architect Sir Dennis Lasdun proclaimed the idea of ‘architecture as urban landscape’ and stated: “It is an architecture without facades but with layers of building, like geological strata, connected in such a way that they flow into surrounding riverscape and the city”. As part of a major transformation led by Haworth Tompkins Architects, GROSS. MAX. worked on the surrounding public spaces to create a more consistent setting and to activate a part of the river frontage that was formerly back of house. As response to the changing environment of the South Bank the architects saw potential in making the building more transparent. One of the key moves has been to remodel the main entrance, restoring the original axis and creating greater transparency to the riverside. This has been augmented by the conversion of the former north-south service yard into public open space served by bars and cafés. The paving of the square is Welsh Blue Pennant carefully selected to tone with the concrete strata of the theatre, as well Caithness setts on Steintech mortar. The steps details have been realized in white limestone with tactile specials and Welsh Blue Pennant contrasting nosing.  Modest four-meter-high columns with clusters of spotlights provide necessary ambient light as well theatrical drama from pools of light.