BBC Hoddinott Hall
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Every aspect of the hall’s design creates optimum conditions for both performance and recording
Brian Tarr (website) Download Original
Phase 2 of the Wales Millennium Centre, providing accommodation for the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, including an orchestral recording studio, performance studio, educational and rehearsal spaces, and supporting facilities
Hoddinott Hall is a hybrid of recording studio and concert hall able to accommodate an orchestra of up to 110 musicians and a chorus of up to 120 voices.
As well as providing optimum acoustics for musical recordings, the hall is large enough to dissipate loud noise levels that could, over time, impair the musicians’ hearing. It also incorporates sound reflectors that allow them to appreciate the sounds they are creating, as well as clear-glazed windows to supply natural daylight and seating for 350 people, to give genuine audience feedback.
Audience seating is partially on a fixed, raked tier and partially on the flat floor. The entire audience enters at the rear of the room at second floor level and wheelchair access to the auditorium is provided. The hall is finished in natural timber, and a band room is provided for rest breaks during rehearsal or recording sessions.
Data
- Begun: Apr 2007
- Completed: Sep 2008
- Floor area: 4,030m2
- Sector: Arts and culture
- Funding: Private
- Procurement: Design and build
- Address: Bute Place, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, CF10 5AL, United Kingdom
Professional Team 
- Architect: Capita Symonds Architecture
- Client: Concert Bay
- Main contractor: Sir Robert McAlpine
- Structural engineer: URS Corporation
- Quantity surveyor: AELTC
- Interior Architects: Walker and Martin
- Acoustic consultant: Arup Acoustics