The Association of British Theatre Technicians' (ABTT) Theatre Buildings: A design guide is an invaluable reference book for anyone involved in building, refurbishing, or creating a performance space. The book uses the format and style of the ABTT's first reference guide to the design and planning of theatres, which was published in 1972 and became the standard reference publication in its field.

We're proud that Theatre Projects' own David Staples is among the eminent contributors to this book, and many of our projects are discussed as reference projects, including the Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester, UK, the Oslo Opera House, Oslo, Norway, and Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dallas, Texas.

Creating a successful performance space is no mean feat. This book discusses every aspect of planning and designing a performance venue — from the preliminary planning process to the design and provision of each area of the building, and the performance technology and broad functional principles that underpin the venue's success. To present the information accessibly, the book is illustrated by hundreds of photographs, drawings, and diagrams, and 28 reference projects (with scaled plans and sections) provide examples of a range of successful performance venues around the world.

Theatre Projects' David Staples says, “Every great theatre project starts with a clear vision and design brief. From there, the client can appoint the best design team to help realize their dreams. The designers will need to create a facility that meets the needs of its users and community, and achieve the project goals. Whether your project is a grand opera house or an intimate studio space, this book will help guide you through the process of designing these highly complex building types. Successful theatres provide more than just performance spaces, they also have the power to transform communities and regenerate cities.”

Theatre Buildings: A design guide is written by a large group of experts who share their cumulative knowledge and experience. Mark White, Chaiman of the ABTT, says, “This book is in essence and aide-mémoire to those about to embark upon a theatre project, be they designers, clients, theatre users or students… [It] is a prompt for those who know and an education for those who don't.”