A celebratory golden crown creating a democratic welcome
The foyer extension for Scottish Opera at Glasgow’s Category ‘A’ listed Theatre Royal was focused on creating a transformational experience for audiences, encouraging wider community engagement and building a sustainable business for the future. The new build extension occupies a prominent city centre corner site provides an opportunity to signal the Theatre Royal in a dramatic way and provide this important public building with an appropriate civic presence.
Comprising stacked public foyers that link through to the historic auditorium at all levels, the curved form of the extension reflects the curvilinear balconies of the theatre. A central dramatic staircase links all levels, allowing wayfinding to become intuitive. ‘Bookends’, either side of the foyer house lifts, toilets, interval bars, new hosting areas, offices, and a dedicated Education Suite. The café and box office are open during the day and animate the street level, with visitors encouraged to explore the upper level foyers, culminating with the discovery of the roof terrace at balcony level – commanding panoramic views across the city. The new extension has transformed the theatre into a full day facility that feels equally comfortable both during quieter periods and supporting a full house audience.
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