Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

The South Bank Centre: National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall, and Queen Elizabeth Hall

London

United Kingdom

Contributed by 
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
September 4, 2003
May 1, 2024

An uninviting complex of arts and performance spaces along the South Bank of the Thames.

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

No complex of public performance space could be more uninviting than this. We went buy these buildings four times on our last visit and we could not tell you what they were or what was going on in them, even after the fourth pass. All we know is that it is the center for skateboarders, and they provide some real entertainment. The whole second level is a real mystery, and where you enter any of the facilities is also very hard to decipher. The potential for this complex fronting on the South Bank walk and the Thames River is extraordinary. Add the Shell Center, The London Eye and the Old County Hall (Saatchi Gallery, London Aquarium, Dali Universe) and you have a row of buildings that would compile the greatest entertainment stretch anywhere in the world. And it is across the river from Parliament and some of the most important public buildings in London. Awesome! We think that this stretch of the South Bank Walk is functioning at 20% of its capacity.

Access & Linkages

Comfort & Image

Uses & Activities

Sociability

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

Related Links & Sources

The South Bank Centre: National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall, and Queen Elizabeth Hall
Queen Elizabeth Hall
The South Bank Centre: National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall, and Queen Elizabeth Hall
Skateboarders enjoying an otherwise lifeless plaza outside Queen Elizabeth Hall.
The South Bank Centre: National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall, and Queen Elizabeth Hall
Royal Festival Hall
The South Bank Centre: National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall, and Queen Elizabeth Hall
The South Bank Centre: National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall, and Queen Elizabeth Hall
The South Bank Centre: National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall, and Queen Elizabeth Hall
The South Bank Centre: National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall, and Queen Elizabeth Hall
The South Bank Centre: National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall, and Queen Elizabeth Hall

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

NOMINATE A PLACE

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