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05.
Architect: Ian Ritchie Architects
The project to design a permanent outdoor concert platform was the first in a series of initiatives by the London Borough of Bromley to revitalise and restore Paxton's Crystal Palace Park. The architects, who were selected through a competition, enlarged the lake to isolate the building by water, giving access via a motorised drawbridge. Two 9m high speaker towers stand as monoliths, forward of the stage. The outside surface is made of Corten A Ð a steel which naturally protects itself by oxidisation and forms a brown colour. The stage is natural oak which turns silver and is non slip.
'On its own, the simplicity of the form in the landscape is dramatic and
a credit to the courage of both the architects and their clients. When
the platform is in use, concealed doors drop down like drawbridges,
flaps open to reveal lighting and the structure is transformed in
moments. The carefully designed acoustics transmit the sound across
the shallow grass bowl which acts as the auditorium for audiences of
up to 8,000 people.' Jury
'The most pleasing aspect of this project was the appreciation by the
selection panel, consisting of the client, English Heritage Officer and
Sir William Whitfield, and of the fact that it changed little through the
process of design to a successful reality.' Architect
'More and more local people are also beginning to appreciate the
platform as a major piece of sculpture Ð a fitting modern structure to
complement Paxton's English Landscape Garden.' Client
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