First concept design for Centre For Music released

The first concept designs for London’s Centre for Music have been released. The centre has been conceived as a partnership between the Barbican, London Symphony Orchestra and Guildhall School of Music & Drama and backed by the City of London Corporation.

Supported by a series of commercial spaces, the development takes the form of a ziggurat-like structure located on the site of the current Museum of London which is set to move to the revitalised Smithfield Market. The concept design shows a seamless entry from street to a multi-level foyer spiralling up towards a 2,000-seat auditorium. Up above, a top-floor performance space is situated, overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral, known as The Coda.

The design team includes lead architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Sheppard Robson, Charcoalblue, Nagata Acoustics, BuroHappold, and cost consultants AECOM.

“The foyer would be abuzz day and night, filled with activity and glimpses into the inner life of the Hall,” remarked Elisabeth Diller, Founding Partner of Diller Scofidio + Renfro. “We imagine a concert hall for the 21st century that embraces both a bespoke and a loose fit approach: tailored for exceptional symphonic sound, yet agile enough to accommodate creative work across disciplines and genres.”

“We believe in music. We believe in London. We believe in the power of music to transform people’s lives,” said Sir Simon Rattle, Music Director, London Symphony Orchestra. “And more importantly than anything else, we believe it is for everybody. Talent for music, love for music has never been anything to do with the ability to play, to hear or learn. It is every child’s birthright.

“This is such an important project for London as a whole - we’re not often star struck, but this building will be amazing!” said Senior Partner Gavin Green. “From the start, the LSO, Barbican and Guildhall set a uniquely collaborative tone – it’s a model working relationship with bags of trust and respect all around. Liz Diller’s team are driving a strong architectural vision which extends beyond the site boundary. Acoustic design, engineering, costing and our venue design are all working in concert to transform this already exciting part of town. It’s a sheer joy to craft a brand new space for music that will inspire artists and audiences into the future.”

“We’re grateful to the City of London Corporation for continuing to invest in this extraordinary vision, living in London excited by the prospect of what a project such as this will mean for current and future generations of musicians. Watch this space.”

The next phase of work to further progress the design development, fundraising and business modelling has been announced following a £2.4 million investment from the City of London Corporation.