Asylum Chapel Theatre

For the adaptive reuse of the Asylum Chapel, located in Peckham, I worked with client David Glass to design a theatre for the diverse local community, with a focus on youth empowerment. Being a Grade II listed site built in 1826, paying respect to the existing of the chapel was critical to preserve its original identity. 

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Taking inspiration from Renzo Piano's Prometeo Musical Space and the construction of old, wooden ships, the auditorium appears to float, encasing audience member's in its ship-like structure, transporting them on a journey as they watch the performance. This concept echoes the site's previous use as a chapel, as the term 'nave', which describes the main body of a Christian church, derives from the Latin word navis, meaning 'ship'. The structure of the 'ship' is celebrated at the bar beneath, where its striking framework hovers above the basement floor, whilst audience members sit on the steps of the auditorium above.