Royal Albert Hall, London

South Steps Design

To propose a redesign for the South Steps approach to the Royal Albert Hall imaginative enough to win a nationwide competition.

Our music-inspired concept design won the competition. In a nod to both the Royal Albert Hall as a concert venue and the Royal College of Music, which faces onto the steps from the south, the parterre at the top of the steps now includes topiary clipped to represent musical notations and instruments. The steps are enclosed by trees, rich foliage, flowers and scent – a deliberate horticultural celebration with an emphasis on late summer interest to coincide with the Proms Season. The strong structure of clipped hedges and trees sets off this horticultural display and works to provide year long interest in this urban site.