V&A East Museum

Cristóbal Balenciaga was an influential Spanish couturier whose exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs shaped modern fashion. A major exhibition celebrating his work was held at the V&A in 2017 in which curators drew attention to Balenciaga’s use of the Japanese concept of “Ma”, or “the space in between”. His tailoring provided a sculptural sense of space between the body and the enclosing fabric; framing rather than restricting the figure.

This has been an important influence on the design team’s concept for the new V&A East. As with Balenciaga’s creations, the outer skin of the new V&A building acts as a three-dimensional ‘folded dress’, lending the museum a distinctive form and striking identity. V&A East has been designed as a statement structure with a distinctive facade that wraps the building. The angular outer skin appears different from various approaches and view points.

Lying at the heart of Stratford Waterfront, the new museum will mark the transition between the institution buildings and the residential neighbourhood.

A café to Waterfront Square and a publicly accessible roof terrace will overlook Stratford Waterfront, the Park and beyond.

The building will have two public entrances; one at the Podium level and one from Waterfront Square. Designed around a central core, its galleries will weave together over each floor, inviting visitors to explore the building. A large, adaptable gallery space will present major temporary exhibitions.