American archiect Rafael Viñoly has designed a new theatre in Leicester, the Leicester Performing Arts Centre. A long curved street frontage, entirely glazed encloses two auditoriums to hold 350 and 750 as well as space for workshops, teaching spaces, rehearsal rooms, bar and restaurants.

Highpoint in the design are the two stages, the structure of which allow for 16 different formations and set at ground floor right at the centre of the building. A courageous choice (“bring the city into the building” is the slogan implied in the project which aims to overturn the usual role of theatre) and which allows passers by a glimpse into what is happening inside, not just in the foyer but also behind the scenes.

It is the first commission in Britain of a certain calibre for the practice which has offices in New York, London and Buenos Aires.