Scotland Studio

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Glasgow, Scotland

After many years of performing exclusively in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) required a new, highly flexible space to accommodate orchestral rehearsals as well as smaller chamber music performances. Kerr Robertson and his team at the GCCA approached Sébastien Jouan to contract Arup as acoustic and stage designers before extending further services with fire safety and structural design.

Working together, we delivered an innovative stage engineering solution that allowed the space to be reconfigured in under 30 minutes through the inclusion of movable side balconies; in rehearsal mode, the balconies fold flat against the walls, increasing the width of the hall and giving more space for the orchestra. The audience seats are also stowed away, giving maximum floor space for the largest possible RSNO ensemble to rehearse. In recital hall mode, the balconies are lowered and the tiers are deployed, creating an acoustically enveloping and visually intimate space. Sébastien Jouan left Arup and the project in 2012 after providing the design up to APD level.

Architects: Glasgow City Council Architects (Kerr Robertson)

Acoustic Design and Scenography: Arup

Role of Sébastien Jouan: Multidisciplinary Project Manager and Acoustic Design

Arup Team: Rob Harris, Sébastien Jouan, George Ellerington, Stewart Webster

Opening: 2015

More info on RSNO Scotland Studio