London

After a lengthy selection procedure, the Royal Opera House commissioned eight practices to carry out design studies for its new extension. Commercial buildings were included to complete the Covent Garden Market Square, and finance the work to the Opera House itself.

The proposals concentrated on the urbanistic aspects of the design, and in particular linking the opera house to the Market Square through a new foyer and covered public square to the south of the opera auditorium. The facades of the Floral Hall were incorporated in the design, defining the entrances of the new foyer.

''Again Hare's approach was respectful to the context, in terms of spatial quality and built form.” Building Design "The proposals for the extension of the Royal Opera House seem fascinating... The new square provides a kind of public atrium that is needed in London and it also acts as an ante-room to the foyers of the opera house.''

Financial Times