Bradfield College Berkshire, Greek Theatre England, Architecture, Building, Design

Bradfield College Greek Theatre

Berkshire Building, southeast England – design by studio octopi, Architects

2 Jun 2011

Bradfield College Greek Theatre Building

Amphitheatre Refurbishment, Bradfield

Galvanised steel walkways, oak seating and cladding

Design: studio octopi, Architects

Bradfield College is an independent school situated in the Berkshire countryside. At the heart of the school, is a 1000 seat amphitheatre. Enclosed by mature trees and planting, the setting is romantic and magical. Since 1890, the school stages a triennial Greek play that is world renowned.

images from studio octopi

In 2010 studio octopi presented ideas for the modernisation of the theatre. This included the resolution of access and replacement of the Victorian temple or skene. Inspired by the wilderness of the site the proposals introduce long meandering walkways that gradually descend through the trees. These walkways provide a safe and spectacular descent into the arena. The mesh steel walkways are designed to encourage the plants to cover over these passages. Level platforms link the walkways and provide tantalising views across the arena.

Within the theatre, seating is maintained as open democratic terraces common to Greek theatres. The new skene is a timber framed structure clad in stained oak. The backdrop to the newly raised stage is composed of hardwood timber louvers some of which are removable allowing a flexible backdrop for the various uses of the theatre.

images from studio octopi