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Flamboyant Page\Park Theatre Royal extension in for planning

Flamboyant Page\Park Theatre Royal extension in for planning

September 2 2011

$Flamboyant Page\Park Theatre Royal extension in for planning$

Scottish Opera have submitted major redevelopment proposals for Glasgow’s Theatre Royal.

Designed by Page\Park the £8m proposal entails partial demolition of the Hope Street frontage to create a new signature entrance on Cowcaddens Road, together with four levels of foyer space in line with existing balconies.

The existing structure will be remodelled internally to host new office accommodation whilst the existing entrance is maintained and oth entrances connect within in an ‘L’ shaped foyer leading to a new axial approach to the main auditorium.

A separate service block ‘bookend’ tower provides ancillary support services to each floor level.

Describing the builds signature feature, which incorporates vertical ventilation fins and acoustic baffles, Page\Park explain: “The ambition is to bring the gilded splendour and sculptural shape of the main theatre into the new foyers in a contemporary manner, and we are exploring the use of a ‘gold’ copper cladding system for the ‘melody’.”

Expanding upon their guiding design ideals Page\Park surmise: “One of the challenges of the design team has been to make a special and memorable corner at the junction of Hope Stret and Cowcaddens Road.

“It will be as if a little bit of the splendid interior has escaped and flourished on the street edge, the auditorium and the lantern crowning the busy junction, working together to celebrate performance in the city.

“It will be fun building to visit; to climb through the levels will be exhilarating, guiding the visitor to the entrance to the auditoriums but at the same time framing the city around.”

A new bar, cafe and lift access will be accommodated within

A portion of the category A listed theatre will be demolished

An extension emphasises the vertical extent of the building as it wraps round the theatre's off kilter auditorium

Traditional and contemporary performances taking place within are reflected in the architecture

Verticals are linked to create a continuous sound wave and provide a crenellated crown

13 Comments

#1 Posted by Carlo M on 2 Sep 2011 at 17:40 PM

YUK!

#2 Posted by Russian Oligarch on 2 Sep 2011 at 17:50 PM

Love the staircase. Hope it has those gold dolphin taps in the toilets too, that'll make it really special

#3 Posted by Barry on 2 Sep 2011 at 19:20 PM

I quite like it.

I'm sick of all these boring, drab and dreary developments in Scotland. Developers think they are edgy if they make a boxy 'sandstone' building but then put in a glass top for added contemporary contrast.

#4 Posted by Tillie on 2 Sep 2011 at 20:04 PM

I agree Barry. Too much drab in Scotland and recommend green onyx inset bowls to go with the dolphin sink taps. That's a cool look

#5 Posted by Fraser on 3 Sep 2011 at 09:19 AM

If the climb through the levels aren't exhilarating can I sue?

#6 Posted by Brian on 3 Sep 2011 at 12:10 PM

Pity about the sleazy scummy little bar on the corner opposite.time to chase these type of bars back along gallowgate and claim the city centre back for decent folks.decent as in most folks.

#7 Posted by Get a grip Brian on 3 Sep 2011 at 18:30 PM

Brian, that's the most ridiculous comment I've ever seen on this website, and that takes some doing. The only pity is that an idiot like you has access to a computer.

#8 Posted by toff nutter on 3 Sep 2011 at 19:20 PM

A spiral staircse fell in love with a wedding cake and conned the Scottish arts (sorry, the Scottish people) out of a decent building. You'd think in a recession only an amazing design would be good enough. This is Scottish Opera - why are we accepting this rubbish?

#9 Posted by noah murney on 3 Sep 2011 at 20:16 PM

I'm not sure which is worse, this design, its presentation, or this article. "Verticals are linked to create a continuous sound wave and provide a crenellated crown".

What in the name of Mozart's magic flute is this jibberjabber supposed to mean?

If architecture is frozen music, then this must be a concerto for kazoos and whoopee cushions.

Glasgow deserves better.