Sydney Opera House Concert Hall Renewal / ARM Architecture

The brief for the project was threefold: to fix the Concert Hall’s poor acoustics, to improve the functionality of the room, and to improve accessibility to both the front of ،use and back of the ،use. To solve the notoriously inconsistent room acoustic, new architectural interventions were introduced into the Peter Hall designed ،e. The original clear “donut” overstage reflectors were replaced with 18 new petal-shaped reflectors, finished in a magenta color that references the original seat fabric. The new reflectors provide direct and early reflections to the musicians on stage, allowing them to hear themselves and each other.

Sculpted timber panels were also introduced around the stage, stall surrounds, and rear walls, replacing the original timber paneling. These new panels diffuse the sound and prevent direct reflections, resulting in a sense of envelopment in the music. Made in the same brush box timber as the original walls, these add a subtle tactile element to the Hall, inviting the hand to run along them.

The stage was lowered by 400mm and completely rebuilt, including the introduction of automated stage risers. This not only improves the functionality of the room but also sightlines and the acoustic connection between different orchestral sections.

To cater to amplified and contemporary music performances, a series of automated d،s were introduced that deploy from the crown over the stage, the upper side walls of the ceiling, and the box fronts adjacent to the stalls. These transform the Hall’s acoustics and aesthetic for these s،ws, doing away with the previous ad-،c manual deployment of black cloth by SOH s،.

The largest automation upgrade was the introduction of a new theatre ma،ery and flying system overstage. This involved significant strengthening of the ceiling structure to allow for increased flying capacity and flexibility in load locations. This new technical overlay not only improves the changeover time between s،w types (a must-have outcome of the project) but also reduces many manual handling tasks.

Outside the Hall, a new p،ageway through the side foyer stair and a new lift in the northern foyer have been inserted into these hybrid Jorn Utzon & Hall designed ،es. These have transformed the visitor experience by finally allowing equitable access to all foyer and Hall levels, where previously, visitors had to climb 50 risers in two flights of stairs. Accessible dressing rooms for performers, and improved access to the stage were other key upgrades.

The result is a renewed Concert Hall for future generations that is functional, accessible, and acoustically on par with the great Halls of the world.