Theatre in London
The National Theatre in London, completed in 1976, is an outstanding example of brutalism in architecture. Comprising three auditoriums – the Lyttelton, the Olivier and the Cottesloe – the complex is now to undergo an approximately £70-million programme of modernization, while still maintaining stage operations. The conversion of the 300-seat Cottesloe marks the beginning. Alongside the existing complex, an alternative theatre has been docked for 12 months. The simple steel structure is clad externally with red-stained timber boarding and was erected within two weeks. A conspicuous feature of this building are the four ventilation stacks, the height of which ensures an optimum functioning of the natural air extract. The stacks, the coloration and the horizontal facade boarding all enter into a dialogue with the existing complex. The interior design of the provisional auditorium has a pragmatic note, including the use of seating from the existing Cottesloe hall.
