The Barbican Centre, a renowned Brutalist performing arts center in London, is set to undergo a significant renewal project aimed at enhancing its accessibility and sustainability. The project, led by architects Allies and Morrison and Asif Khan Studio, will focus on upgrading three of the centre’s most unique spaces: the Foyers, the Lakeside, and the Conservatory.
Philippa Simpson, Director of Buildings and Renewal at the Barbican, stated: “This project is rooted in the vision and ambition of its founders, to reimagine what an arts centre can be in the 21st century, a vital, creative space for everyone.”
The renewal project seeks to tap into the potential of underused spaces and update old building systems and materials to meet net-zero sustainability goals. Oliver Heywood, Director at Allies and Morrison, noted: “Our goal is to honour the Centre’s original bold architectural legacy, while making it more inclusive, sustainable, and fit for the future.”
The Foyers will undergo significant transformations, including new lighting and decluttering, as well as upgrades to doors and elevators. The Lakeside Terrace will be repaved, and its water features will be upgraded with a passive cooling system. The Conservatory, located inside the theater building’s fly tower, will feature a new planting scheme and become fully accessible and approachable to the public.
The Barbican Centre’s renewal project is part of a broader effort to create a more inclusive and sustainable institution. The public can provide feedback on the proposals until February 17, which will inform the next stage of design plans. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2027, with the goal of completing the first phase by 2032, marking the Barbican’s 50th anniversary.
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