Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London

The Royal Opera House celebrates the completion of the much anticipated ‘Open Up’ project. Over the past three years, following a major transformation by architects Stanton Williams, the entrances and foyers of the Opera House have been reconfigured to include a new café, restaurant with terrace, retail outlet and new Linbury Theatre. The Open Up project aims to make the Opera House a much more welcoming building, open every day from 10 am with free events and unique front of house displays, transforming these dedicated new spaces and welcoming everyone to the Opera House.

StudioFractal designed a comprehensive lighting strategy for all areas of this refurbishment, assimilating the client’s aspirations with the architect’s vision, whilst remaining sensitive to the history and architecture of the Grade I listed building and the surrounding area.

Section visual - the Open Up Project, Royal Opera House, London (c) Stanton Williams

The Linbury Studio Theatre has undergone a stunning transformation to become the new Linbury Theatre, the West Ends newest, most intimate theatre. Hidden linear light sources wash the American black walnut detailing to bring warmth and drama to this exemplary 400-seat auditorium.

Strategically integrated lighting highlights the decorative ironwork of this once renowned exotic flower market and provides discrete illumination for a range of activities including fine dining, special events and impromptu performances.

StudioFractal developed a sensitive exterior lighting scheme for Bow Street, Covent Garden Piazza & Retail Colonnade, Russell, Floral and James Street facades.

Light is interwoven throughout the new restaurant and the new public terrace to create an elegant and sophisticated dining ambience.

Working closely with retail designers Drinkall Dean, StudioFractal created a minimalist lighting scheme for a contemporary and elegant retail experience.