Liverpool Youth Theatre

The Liverpool Youth Theatre project aims to introduce a younger generation to the art of theatre. I thought the best way to achieve this would be to create an interactive engaging space to attract people. This meant designing a building to play an active role in engaging the public. I applied this concept from the start of my design deciding on the layout and contents of my building, through to the development of the structure and lifecycle of the design.

The concept allowed me to create a series of unique spaces and transitions leading to the central performance space. The open structure in certain spaces provides the opportunity for interaction, installations and alternative artists to alter and enhance the space as the theatre ages and new plays are introduced.

My site analysis looked at a number of factors affecting my site, this included looking at the location of near schools from which possible connections could be made, and the history and context of the site. Looking at the context of the site I started to develop my design. Being one of my earlier projects this development was mostly focused on the external for of the design such as building height and key lines that are carried across the site, I would then focus on the interior later which I found caused development problems and compromises later in my design.

Along with the technical drawings of my project I also attempted new drawing techniques for this project such as a new presentation style for my detail drawings which I think illustrated these details rather successfully. Together with these drawings I presented a series of drawings showcasing a route through my design including the compression spaces you would transition through. The main three panels illustrate what I consider the key three areas in the design starting top to bottom these are, The main gallery including an interactive structure where the public and move through and around the space, The main performance hall with a relatively basic layout allowing for numerous types of performances to be held and the outside park situated along the main street with a continuation of the structural language carried out onto the road with raised platforms that invite playful interactions to articulate the building function.