Southbank Centre, Waterloo

 

The impressive conservation and restoration gives a new lease of life to the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and Hayward Gallery. The Hayward’s famous pyramid rooflights now bring controlled light into upper galleries, allowing spaces to be used as originally intended. The architects have relocated the bar and replaced a solid foyer wall with full-height glazing, making the building more visually accessible to the South Bank. The refurbishment has produced a flexible, well-designed and democratic space.  Diligence by all on the complex ventilation strategy to the music halls means audiences continue to enjoy world-class acoustics. Performers’ experience too has been improved with much-needed changing, rehearsal and social spaces inserted in redundant courtyards, leaving the building’s look unchanged. The refurbishment celebrates the Southbank’s uniqueness, enhancing user experience.