Architectural Review, March 2022

Anne Wynne was shortlisted for the MJ Long Prize in 2022 for her invaluable contributions as Project Architect on DSDHA’s retrofit of the National Youth Theatre. Ellen Peirson writes on the project and Anne’s involvement for the Architectural Review.

For the first time since its establishment in 1987, the NYT now has its own theatre space with 200 seats. As well as introducing this essential space to the building, DSDHA’s retrofit of NYT creates new rehearsal spaces, and totally reimagines the building’s entrance in the form of an extension nicknamed ‘the Green Room’ for the glossy bricks that envelop its exterior. Forgoing the space’s previous use as an informal car park and bin storage, the extension caters to accessibility of its visitors and creates a more diverse space.

As well as creating architecturally sensitive spaces that are welcoming and functional, the new rehearsal spaces and theatre additionally cater to the NYT’s future, as they can be rented out to external productions as an additional source of income. The spaces are also adaptable to changing uses, a workshop studio behind the main theatre can be used as a backstage area or made separate.

As a work in progress, DSDHA’s interventions on the site have been given stages. This allows the architect to evaluate and respond to the building’s use and impact. Co-design continues to be an important tool in NYT’s retrofit. Working closely with both the organisation and its students, DSDHA have helped provide new, considered foundations on which the institution can continue to build.