The Welsh National Opera

The Royal Opera House provides events, which are held within their foyers, and they are based on audience participation. This includes workshops, choirs, and free small performances. Inspired by this, I designed an outdoor stage to accommodate similar events for the Welsh National Opera, who are based in Cardiff Bay.

The WNO have educational school events, which are in classrooms, therefore, a stage situated outside, in a public space, would accommodate for a larger audience. The stage is multi- use, for workshops, performances, and other educational activities for children and families. The purpose of these events would be to introduce and spread the joys of opera to a wider audience, as well as educate people about theatre and music.

The structure of the stage roof responds to unamplified vocal performances. Inspired by other concert hall designs, triangle panels were shaped and arranged to reflect or absorb sound waves, generated by the performers, to create a clear and pleasant sound quality. I further explored which materials which has either reflective or absorbing qualities. These included hardwood for reflection and softwood scatting or lose weave fabric panels for absorbing.

This stage would be a temporary structure for the summer months and during Eisteddford Festival. It is designed to be easily assembled and taken down, therefore, the use of SIP panels were chosen for the backstage area.