The recently reopened Tara Art Theatre in London is the latest top-of-the-line art house to be part of Tara Arts, one of the UK's oldest and most prestigious cross-cultural theatre companies. Designed by Aedas Arts and Culture, the project was recently awarded Project Design of the Year at this year's London Architecture Awards. The newly renovated Tara Theatre for the Arts blends international and regional styles to create an inspired creative space for the UK's first intercultural theatre, serving as a bridge between East and West.
The design of the theatre incorporates Oriental elements, pays tribute to its Asian roots in management and ownership, and highlights the unique nature of Tara in the UK theatre industry. The design also incorporates the linden tree, which is considered the "tree of life" in India, and its shade is a symbol of community cohesion. The "Tara Tree" wraps around the building's facade and is painted with traditional British craftsmanship, subtly echoing Indian decorative techniques. As if inviting the audience into the theater to listen and share their stories, the unique appearance of the linden tree also creates a vivid urban landmark.
The Tara Theatre for the Arts features a fully equipped, flexible and double capacity to 100 seats in the main theatre, a new soundproof rehearsal room and other supporting facilities to meet the needs of the current performance and audience. The atrium features a highly adaptable earthen floor, creating an original and personalized floor that speaks to Asian culture in the fashion capital of London.
Of the bricks used in the new theatre, 7,500 have been recycled from the old one, and construction materials have been made from local sources as much as possible. The facade of "Tara's Tree" is 96% made from recycled waste. The interior space is naturally lit and transparent, spacious and bright, and equipped with colored shutters. The atrium is flooded with light from the high level Windows, which is unique and rare.