G.W. Annenberg Performing Arts Centre
Location: Wellington College Campus, Berkshire, UK
Scope: Cultural space
Area: 3,512m²
Client: Wellington College
Completion date: 2018
Theatre consultants: Charcoalblue
Landscape Design: Todd Longstaffe-Gowan
Acoustic Consultants: Bickerdike Allen Partners
Photography: Hufton+Crow, Kanipak Photography
The design for Wellington College’s new Cultural Quarter, consists of a new 900 seated, 1,200 total capacity Performing Arts Centre and a ‘cultural living room’ space where students are inspired, and their education can flourish, both through formal and spontaneous performances.
Beyond the project brief, the auditorium of the Performance Arts Centre was to overcome the obstacle of the ‘sunken effect’ of the existing theatre, caused by level differences in the terrain. This was tackled by providing a longer ramp that softly winds around the circumference of the amphitheatre, not only creating an interactive approach but also a vibrant front to the campus.
The buildings are clad in stained timber, sitting softly alongside the dark bark vernacular textures. By situating the Cultural Quarter of the college between a dense forest and beautiful historic Victorian buildings, approaching students are met with a building that emerges from the surrounding woods.
The main auditorium’s circular shape is inspired by historic Grecian amphitheatres, creating a building without angles, but rather a form that sits softly within the forest landscape. Designed with high quality acoustics and efficient circulation in mind, this Performing Arts Centre is the venue for students to showcase their creative talents in a formal setting. The auditorium balcony fronts have been designed as an evolving surface that reflects and scatters the sound to maximise the theatrical experience.
Attached to the auditorium we placed the new Cultural Living Room public square between the campus and the forest which connects the new Performing Arts Centre with the existing theatre. This space is not limited by its four walls, but is rather a public space that is vibrant, open, filled with natural light and boasting a large window overlooking the forest.
When entering the Cultural Living Room, students are met throughout the year with spontaneous exhibitions, performances or social gatherings all set against this inspiring forest backdrop. Music, dance and theatrical rehearsals allows the space to be a focus for artistic happenings, as well as a social hub for the creative community of Wellington College.
