03 May 2017
Chipperfield triumphs in competition to design 'world class' Edinburgh concert hall
BY Kim Megson
David Chipperfield has overcome stiff competition to win the high-profile design competition to create a 1,000-capacity concert hall in Edinburgh.
Adjaye Associates, Richard Murphy, Allies & Morrison, Barozzi Veiga and KPMB were all in contention for the commission, but the vision outlined by Chipperfield's practice was enough to sway the developers of the £45m (US$58.1m, €53.2m) venue; the city’s first new performance building in 100 years.
The concert hall has been proposed by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO) as its new permanent home and will be located behind the historic Dundas House at 36 St Andrew Square. In addition to a “world class” auditorium, it will feature recital and recording space “to rival the best in Europe.”
In addition to chamber music, the venue will also host jazz, folk, rock, pop, electronica and classical performances, as well as solo and song recitals and small dance ensembles.
The architectural shortlist was compiled by IMPACT Scotland, the charitable trust overseeing the project. Explaining why David Chipperfield Architects were chosen as the winners, the trust’s chair, Sir Ewan Brown, said: “Their approach to designing the interior of the new venue was intriguing, well-expressed and demonstrated a desire to create spaces that would welcome visitors and performers alike.
“In addition, the team showed sensitivity to the design challenges that would be faced in creating a venue with exceptional, world-class acoustics.
“Securing this new performance venue will be a major benefit to Edinburgh and Scotland,” he added. “With an estimated 350-400,000 visitors a year, it will help to maintain Edinburgh’s position as an International Festival City and leading centre for music and the performing arts.”
Chipperfield’s practice will collaborate on the project with acoustic consultants Nagata Associates, who have worked on the newly-opened Elbe Philharmonic in Hamburg. ARUP, Whitby Mohajer Engineers, Gross.Max Landscape Architects and Theatre Projects are also part of the design team.
The building is planned to be completed by 2020.
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