A new extension to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama officially opens to the public in Cardiff on 18 June.
The concert hall’s acoustics have been designed by Arup, completing a hat-trick of high-profile projects in Wales.
The £22.5m redevelopment includes performance and rehearsal spaces, teaching studios, and exhibition and public facilities, all set in a Grade I listed park.
Designed by BFLS Architects, who won the contract in an international design competition, the extension includes a 450-seat concert hall, the 160-seat end-on proscenium Richard Burton Theatre and four acting and movement studios.
The concert hall and theatre can be ‘tuned’ to optimise the acoustics required for different styles of music and has been designed from the inside out, with each performance space formulated as a separate building.
Ian Knowles, associate director in Arup’s acoustics team, said:
“This is a very exciting project for Wales, and one Arup is glad to have supported from the outset. We are delighted that the acoustic test concert was successful last week – the building’s extension was designed purely with acoustic principles in mind. This includes elements of the room being optimised for acoustic perfection, from the profile of the ceiling, to the balcony fronts.
“Arup’s acoustics team has now successfully delivered a hat-trick of high profile Welsh arts projects in Cardiff – the Wales Millennium Centre and the BBC Hoddinott Hall, and has an impressive track record – which among others includes Kings Place, Aylesbury Theatre and The Sage Gateshead.”
The college will host over 300 public events a year including theatre, opera, musicals, orchestral concerts, design, puppetry and fashion shows.
The design focuses on the needs of the school community, with an acoustically-magnificent collection of performance and learning spaces to motivate the people inside.