The Yard Theatre, London, United Kingdom. Architect: Practice Architecture, 2011.

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The Yard Theatre was commissioned by Jay Miller in response to the lack of theatre space available for young directors to develop and show new and challenging work. The Yard's ethos is driven by collectivity and accessibility, with public rehearsals and consistently affordable tickets. It is staffed by the season’s directors and actors as well as local volunteers. The theatre is housed within an existing warehouse building in Hackney Wick, sharing a yard with a potato peeling factory and car mechanics. The 120 seat rake creates dynamic dividing wall that acts as a physical, acoustic and fire barrier between the theatre and bar. The theatre is arranged as an auditorium with balconies that extend along the outer walls enclosing the space. The theatre rake thrusts into the bar, it’s underbelly creating sheltered alcoves of seating. The material finishes are raw, reflecting the minimal budget and the evolving nature of the project. The design provides the bare bones of the theatre that, a