first images revealed of david chipperfield-designed concert hall planned for edinburgh

the first images of edinburgh’s first dedicated new space for music and performing arts in 100 years have been released. designed by david chipperfield with reiach and hall architects, the ‘IMPACT centre’ will form the new home of the scottish chamber orchestra, while serving as a year-round destination for performers, audiences, and the wider community. the building will contain a 1,000-seat auditorium, as well as studio, rehearsal, and recording space. the institution will also offer a comprehensive educational outreach program.

all images courtesy of david chipperfield architects / IMPACT scotland

david chipperfield architects and reiach and hall architects were appointed to design the IMPACT centre in april 2017. meanwhile, nagata acoustics — the consultancy firm led by dr yasuhisa toyota — has been contracted to ensure that the acoustics of the venue’s auditorium are optimized. the structure will sit behind the 1774 home of sir lawrence dundas, a scottish businessman, landowner and politician, which became part of the royal bank of scotland estate in 1825. the building’s banking hall will be directly linked to the complex, bridging the old and new aspects of the scheme.

view south from elder street entrance

‘we are very excited to be working on the new music venue in a city renowned around the world for its arts and culture,’ says david chipperfield, who is leading the design team. ‘the setting, within the context of edinburgh’s historic new town, is also both stimulating and challenging. the new music venue will not only provide a modern performance space for edinburgh but also create a new public place in this somewhat hidden corner of the city.’ £25 million has already been committed to the project, with public consultation running until march 30, 2018 here.

ground floor foyer looking south

the 1,000-seat auditorium shown during a performance

a 200-seat studio is also included as part of the plans