Stanton Williams has released new and updated visualizations of their design for the renovation of the Royal Opera House in London. The project, titled ‘Open Up,’ aims to transform the public experience of the Royal Opera House at its Covent Garden Home through a series of “legible and flexible” spaces.
The design will increase connection to the city through two reimagined entrances: a new glazed extension on Bow Street that will offer pedestrians a view into the activities taking place within, and an improvement entrance onto the Covent Garden Piazza that will provide additional foyer space and an exhibition area to display the work of the Royal Opera House.
The project also includes a second theater within the shell of the Linbury Studio Theater that will serve as an “artistic laboratory” for the Royal Ballet and Royal Opera Companies. The theater space will be adaptable to various performance formats, and will provide a warm, comfortable atmosphere with a distinct character.
Stanton Williams was selected for the project in 2013 as part of competition including Amanda Levete Architects, Heatherwick Studio and Diller Scofidio + Renfro. Construction on the project is currently underway, while the building remains operational. Phase 1 of the project (conversion of basement into restrooms) opens to the public tomorrow, with the full project expected to be completed in 2018.
