Creating the Lotus

This music hall + residency was inspired by the singer Florence and the Machine. Just as Florence is inspired by the power and beauty of nature, this music hall was designed with the idea of a cave in mind: A space dug deep into the earth, expansive and echoing, resonating with the raw sound of the human voice. The concentric, hexagonal rings were inspired both by the natural hexagonal formations of rocks in Isle of Giants and the ornamented spaces commonly used in Opera houses to accentuate the sound of the voice. This shape creates a stepping effect, turning the shell of the music hall into a central part of circulation, allowing people to walk down its “ribs” to reach the music hall. The residents also walk down these “ribs” to reach their practice spaces, linking the spaces dedicated for music together.

The residents themselves are artists who are there to stay very temporarily, a few weeks at most, to perform their show and enjoy the local area, which is surrounded by nature but is rather noisy and public. To create private space for the residents, the entire shape of the residency spaces continues the hexagonal form, creating a powerful central core around a plant-filled courtyard filled. Residency spaces all have floor-to-ceiling windows and perforated bronze screens that create a seamless link between the indoors and outdoors, while still providing privacy through screens and curtains. Continuing this idea, the communal space is entirely glazed and flows into the garden above the retaining wall.

The symmetry of the music hall and the succulents that surround the site, plus a desire to create a visually accessible central courtyard, inspired the rigid symmetrical form and the powerful central core. The symmetry of musical patterns, symmetry in nature, and mandalas were a source of inspiration for much of the design. Every decision within this project was driven by a desire to harness the power of the human voice and create an unforgettable experience for both residents and visitors alike.