Inspired by the folktales of Nottingham and the spatial concepts of Raumplan, the Maid Marian Theatre and Homeless Shelter, with its step-up nature provides a gradual immersion into the heart of the city. The scheme whilst primarily a theatre, supports the framework to provide temporary accommodation and the necessary tools to help rehome those in need.

The spatial construct of the project draws upon the idea of the performance as a journey. Both the homeless shelter and theatre grow in conjunction with one another, both supporting the systematic framework of the other. Whilst the homeless shelter provides living accommodation and the necessary structure to support the rehoming scheme, the theatre can provide job roles. Maid Marian Theatre and Homeless Shelter is designed to express this journey of the rehoming scheme as well as the journey through performance.

Architecturally the theatre steps up and over the accommodation and library, maintaining a physical connection to the public realm. The theatres architecture continues this relationship facilitating the interaction of public and performer, thus becoming part of the performance. The idea is that as the journey through the story progresses each scene is gradually elevated toward the city to then be met by views to Nottingham Castle at the peak of the performance, continuing the connection to both the theatres story and Nottinghamshire.