042 PROJECT 3


WRIGHT & WRIGHT ARCHITECTS has delivered a new rehearsal space for the world-renowned performing arts organisation, the Royal Opera House. The Chorus Rehearsal Room provides an updated facility for some 130 choristers whilst improving user wellbeing, working conditions and accessibility, the scheme was realised within a very tight delivery timeline with only the summer afforded between performance seasons to complete the redesign and works on site. The project presented unique acoustic challenges and working with theatre design and engineering specialists, Theatre Projects, it delivered an elegant and coherent design of timber panelling, natural light and open sightlines. The design scheme balances out the room’s existing features while respecting the acoustic and theatrical requirements of its users. At the core of the refurbishment was a desire to reduce vocal and aural stress for the chorus. It was noted prior to the refurbishment that the room acoustics were too dry, resulting in singers exerting more vocal effort, generating a higher level of rehearsal noise. Overcoming this, the acoustic design consists of bespoke diffusion and absorption elements which help enhance the sound of the chorus and provide appropriate vocal support and reverberation. The changes improve the conditions for the chorus, both aurally and visually.


The refurbishment of the Chorus Rehearsal Room has also resulted in a complete redesign and reimagination of the space. Outdated seating, wall panels and redundant elements were stripped out, replaced by new bespoke panelling featuring removable elements and adjustable curtains, which provide the ability to adjust the acoustic response. To improve communication between chorus sections, the space has been outfitted with an elegantly curved, tiered seating plan, while customised music stands now afford improved sightlines to the Chorus Master. Finally, a stair riser has been installed to ensure accessibility. Wright & Wright simplified installation and fabrication, preventing any closures or disruptions to the Royal Opera House’s public programme or daily operations, which continued to use the space throughout the summer of 2023.


PROJECT INFO


Client Wright & Wright Architects wrightandwright.co.uk


Theatre designer Theatre Projects theatreprojects.com


Client Royal Opera House alcock-lees.co.uk


Duration Two months parrypage-projects.com


Gross internal floor area 169 sq m


Right The curved, tiered seating plan now affords clear sightlines to the Chorus Master


Left The acoustics of the facility have been entirely upgraded, allowing choristers to expend less vocal effort and preserve their voices


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129  |  Page 130  |  Page 131  |  Page 132  |  Page 133  |  Page 134  |  Page 135  |  Page 136  |  Page 137  |  Page 138  |  Page 139  |  Page 140  |  Page 141