Haworth Tompkins, alongside Finnish Architecture studio ARCO have been selected as winners of an invited architectural design competition for the rebuilding and part refurbishment of a theatre in Kouvola Finnland. The competition included five submissions and was decided by a panel of judges and a public vote which took place during a 2-week exhibition in November 2023 where all entries were open to the public. According to Riku Hämäläinen, the operation manager of the Kouvola theatre, the theatre staff were also in favour of the winning proposal. The winning proposal ‘Kouvo’, proposes an exemplar world class theatre through a bold sustainable transformation that both respects the integrity and cultural history of the existing buildings while radically opening up the theatre to the city, creating a strong cultural landmark for Kouvola.
The proposal retains the existing 1950s community education building and sports hall by the local architect Eero A. Kajava and rebuilds the adjacent 1960s Theatre. The historic and new building together will form the improved and extended theatre complex. The classrooms and sports hall of the historic community centre will be transformed into generous administration, dressing room and workshop spaces as well as the new studio theatre. A new state of the art 400 seat auditorium and stage together with the public main foyer will be built on the site of the old theatre bringing Kouvola’s theatre infrastructure into the 21st century. The judges commended the proposals for their innovative, sustainable and modern approach while respecting the integrity, spirit and culture of the original buildings and surrounding area creating a strong Kouvola identity.
“We are thrilled to be selected as winners alongside our Finnish design partners ARCO to develop proposals for the redevelopment of Kouvola Theatre. Our design aims to draw on the architectural and cultural memory of the buildings whilst radically transforming the production spaces and stages and opening up the foyer to the city.” Roger Watts, Director Haworth Tompkins
The £2 billion York Central regeneration project has submitted the latest planning application for the next stage of delivery and includes Haworth Tompkins designs for Foundry Village; a walkable, street-based neighbourhood designed that will deliver 368 mixed-tenure homes.
Pembroke Mill Lane, Cambridge and The Warburg Renaissance have been selected as Regional Finalists in the 2026 Civic Trust Awards and will now be considered for National Awards with the winners announced January 2026.
Haworth Tompkins has completed Backstage at the Old Vic, a new build six storey extension to the Grade II* listed Old Vic Theatre, in London’s Waterloo marking a bold new chapter in the theatre’s remarkable 200-year story.
Pembroke Mill Lane, Cambridge picked up two awards at the 2025 Brick Awards last night, including winner of the Education category for outstanding architectural design, craftsmanship, and innovation in educational spaces, as well as a Special Award for Excellence.
Haworth Tompkins is working with The Castle to shape a long-term vision for the future of its spaces, building on the facility’s already strong commitment to sustainable operations.
American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University, along with Harvard Capital Projects, Shawmut Design and Construction, Haworth Tompkins, ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge, and Charcoalblue, marked a major construction milestone with the ceremonial topping off of the David E. and Stacey L. Goel Center for Creativity & Performance.
Haworth Tompkins picked up three awards at last night’s BD Architect of the Year Awards ceremony including the coveted Gold Award for the 'best of the best', as well as winning Best Architect Employer of the Year, and Higher Education Architect of the Year.
Rother District Council has unanimously granted planning permission and listed building consent for the De La Warr Pavilion Masterplan, launching this major capital project to transform heritage for community, creativity & skills that will both preserve its iconic heritage and transform it for future generations.
| 28.07.25 | Haworth Tompkins reveals plans for the redevelopment of Grade I listed De La Warr Pavilion → |
| 13.05.25 | Haworth Tompkins to lead design of affordable housing in £2.5 Billion York Central Regeneration → |