Young Vic Theatre
In The Limelight
The new look Young Vic theatre in London has finally reopened its doors after a 2 –year, £12.5m renovation programme. Spearheaded by architectural practice Haworth Tompkins, the redesign features a striking anodised aluminium mesh façade, developed by specialist cladding manufacturer James & Taylor, in conjunction with The Expanded Metal Company and their German sister company, Sorst Streckmetall. The mesh pattern has a 200mm diamond formed from 5mm plate, with wide angled strands which accentuate the façades texture. This not only allows for an excellent view of the backdrop – created by artist Clem Crosby – but creates a unique but simple transformation of the exterior between night and day. In the evening the yellow paintwork, simulating a rising theatre curtain, takes precedence, aided by strong up lighting. In daylight however, the mesh is emphasised creating a feeling of movement as you pass by.
The James & Taylor / EMCo system has created considerable interest worldwide. Recent visitors to the Young Vic project include Sanaa, who are leading the design of the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York City, and left suitably impressed. The EMCo has recently broadened its architectural range of meshes encompassing a variety of patterns and materials which will be suitable for many applications.
