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CLAD News Diller Scofidio + Renfro unveil designs for “once in a generation” Centre for Music
N
ew York-based architecture
As the focal point for the Culture
practice Diller Scofidio +
Mile, the building is expected to
Renfro (DS+R) have released
refresh and ‘open-up’ the southern
the first concept designs
tip of the Barbican complex, a
for the long-anticipated London
space DS+R’s founding partner,
Centre for Music. Set to become
Elizabeth Diller has said was a
the newest addition to London’s
“casualty of mid-century planning”.
Culture Mile – an array of institutes
According to the architects,
and landmarks situated around St
the design for the structure is
Paul’s Cathedral – the Centre for
inspired by the many-hued layers
Music will feature a 2000-person
of natural geological formations.
capacity, surround-seating concert
The space will host both intimate and large-scale events venues
Once complete, the Centre for
hall; a multi-tiered foyer with
Music will be managed by the
called it a “once in a generation
extensive public galleries and
Barbican and will serve both as the
opportunity to transform access to
event spaces; and the Coda, an
home of the London Symphony
and engagement in great music”.
intimate, top-floor performance
Orchestra and as the base for
venue offering views of St Paul’s
the Guildhall School of Music &
chair at the CLC, said it was a
and the City of London skyline.
Drama’s Institute for Social Impact
“real statement of confidence in
The property will also include
In a video description of the
Catherine McGuinness, policy
London”. The next stage of work
an outdoor amphitheatre and
scheme, Sir Nicholas Kenyon,
on the development is estimated to
commercial units, and a restaurant.
managing director at the Barbican,
conclude by the end of the year.
Nagata Acoustics designed the main concert hall
26 CLADGLOBAL.COM
We imagine a concert hall for the 21st century that embraces both a bespoke and a loose fit approach Elizabeth Diller