V&A East Architecture Review: A Honey-Coloured Treasure Trove in Stratford
The V&A East museum, designed by Dublin-based architects O’Donnell + Tuomey, has opened in London’s Olympic Park as a striking addition to Stratford’s skyline. The building is described as a triumph, featuring bold lines and simple interiors that create a welcoming environment for art and creativity. Its design concept draws inspiration from haute couture, specifically the folds of a Vermeer painting sleeve and the structural techniques of Cristóbal Balenciaga. Constructed from honey-coloured precast concrete panels assembled like a 3D jigsaw over a steel framework, the structure resembles a protective jacket or an angular circus tent. This new institution is part of the broader Olympicopolis cultural quarter, joining other major entities like the BBC and London College of Fashion in the regenerated Lower Lea Valley. The review highlights the museum as a cabinet of curiosities, housing diverse objects ranging from ceramics to Leigh Bowery’s iconic codpiece. By moving away from industrial grey concrete, the architects aimed to evoke earthy materials, creating a space where the exterior shape hints at the interior experience. The project underscores the ongoing urban refashioning of East London following the 2012 Olympics, establishing a new hub for human ingenuity and applied arts.
Wire timeline
V&A East Architecture Review: A Honey-Coloured Treasure Trove in Stratford
The V&A East museum, designed by Dublin-based architects O’Donnell + Tuomey, has opened in London’s Olympic Park as a striking addition to Stratford’s skyline. The building is described as a triumph, featuring bold lines and simple interiors that create a welcoming environment for art and creativity. Its design concept draws inspiration from haute couture, specifically the folds of a Vermeer painting sleeve and the structural techniques of Cristóbal Balenciaga. Constructed from honey-coloured precast concrete panels assembled like a 3D jigsaw over a steel framework, the structure resembles a protective jacket or an angular circus tent. This new institution is part of the broader Olympicopolis cultural quarter, joining other major entities like the BBC and London College of Fashion in the regenerated Lower Lea Valley. The review highlights the museum as a cabinet of curiosities, housing diverse objects ranging from ceramics to Leigh Bowery’s iconic codpiece. By moving away from industrial grey concrete, the architects aimed to evoke earthy materials, creating a space where the exterior shape hints at the interior experience. The project underscores the ongoing urban refashioning of East London following the 2012 Olympics, establishing a new hub for human ingenuity and applied arts.
The Guardian