The new Center for Music in London announced a shortlist of architects chosen to participate in its international design competition. From it, the cultural institution will select a final design for its new center.
The open selection process, launched in May, was held by partners the Barbican, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. Firms chosen for the shortlist include AL_A , a .U.K. firm, and Toronto-based Diamond Schmitt Architects; New York firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro and London-based Sheppard Robson; London firm Foster + Partners ; Los Angeles-based Gehry Partners, LLP and London-based Arup Associates; the Paris office of international firm Renzo Piano Building Workshop; and Snøhetta of Oslo, Norway.
“It is hugely encouraging that so many leading architects from around the world have responded enthusiastically to the challenge to develop a concept design for the Center for Music," said Catherine McGuinness, chairman of the policy and resources committee at the City of London Corporation, in a release by the Barbican. "For them, it represents an exceptional opportunity to help realize the plans for this truly remarkable concert hall."
The site for the Center for Music will likely be the current location of the Museum of London, which will become available when the museum moves to a larger West Smithfield location.
The designs for the project are not yet available, but the Center for Music will include a concert hall, education, training and digital spaces, facilities for audiences and performers, and commercial areas. The project is being backed by £2.5 million (or about $3.3 million) in funding provided by the City of London Corporation.
