Architect Andrew Bromberg of Aedas has revealed the design to extend the home of Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in Canada. The design features rounded glass walls wrapped by a slatted stone and an elevated garden. The project will add a 30-metre high addition to house amenities and new spaces next to the existing cultural hub, which was built in 1997.
Bromberg’s design will measure 4,500 square meters and comprise three stories along with underground parking. It will also feature a rectangular base and a glazed, square portion on top that meets with an elevated garden.
Included in the design is a slatted roof that will project outwards from the glass-enclosed main atrium, which features operable glass walls that open to the elevated gardens. The roof’s overhanging eaves will reportedly be used to provide shade for the garden and cool the temperature of the foyer inside. The expansion will also include a new, 550-seat music venue called the “Music Box”. The theatre will be on the second floor and comprise a dark room with automated retractable seating.
A childcare centre, music library. and additional rooms for the concert hall, along with parking, will also be located at ground level.
Access to the existing Winspear building, which includes a 1,932-seater music hall, will be provided via a pathway on the first floor of the new structure. Areas for coat check, a bar, restrooms, lockers and offices for administration will also be located on this level.
Making use of local materials, Bromberg has selected local stone for the roof and local timbers for the inside wall of the theatre. Pale pillars will fill the airy atrium, as well as an elevated walkway that leads to the “Music Box”. Renderings white walls and curvilinear floors that are a combination of pale stone and wood.
According to reports, Canada’s government has contributed $48.6 million CAD (£29.9 million) to the project, while several million dollars are expected to be fundraised to meet the proposed cost of $65.5-million CAD (£39.9 million).
