Building a Theatre in a Forest (Extract of EP013: The G.W.A. Performing Arts Centre at Wellington College)

In episode 13 , we speak with Alberto Favaro of Studio Seilern Architects about the design and construction process of the G.W.A. Performing Arts Centre at Wellington College, London. In this extract, Alberto explains: - what was the tendering process - why Wellington College wanted a large performance/assembly space - the capacity requirements - the influence of the VE (Value Engineering) process on the seats - what was Studio Seilern's winning idea - how the resolved the height restrictions - why they went for a circular theatre - the desire to blend in the forest

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In this episode , we speak with Alberto Favaro of Studio Seilern Architects about the design and construction process of the G.W.A. Performing Arts Centre at Wellington College, London.

Inspired by Grecian amphitheatres and surrounded by forest, this circular structure clad in charred-timber, houses a 2,580 square metre auditorium with two-tier seating for over 900 persons, and equipped with the highest acoustic, audio-visual and stage lighting specification at its core.

We discuss:

• How Studio Seilern won the contract
• The design approach and challenges of building a theatre in a forest
• The forest’s influence on the theatre aesthetics
• Sustainability aspirations of the project
• How the singular purpose of the theatre affected the design process
• Putting a helicopter on stage
• How to control acoustics in a circular theatre

Find out more about the venue on the Wellington College ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ and visit Studio Seilern Architects website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

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