North London’s historic Roundhouse - renowned for hosting art and cultural events - is set to become a giant musical instrument visitors can ‘play’
New Wave Talking Heads icon David Byrne will transform parts of the 160-year-old former engine shed, which was revamped in 2006 by John McAslan + Partners, so they will resonate with music.
The notes will be produced through a series of mechanical devices attached to structural elements of the building - walls, metal beams, pipes, heating, and so on.
The sound installation will be controlled by a pump organ keyboard which visitors can play. The exhibit will be open from 3 - 31 August.
The windows on the domed roof of the historic building - which has hosted performances by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, and James Brown - will be opened for the first time in years.
David Byrne, who is the architect of the Playing The Building project, was born in Scotland. He is presently based in New York, and is an artist and musician.
Playing The Building was a success the last two times it was attempted - at New York’s Battery Maritime Building last year, and at the Fargfabriken building in Stockholm in 2005.
You might also like...
Populous Sphere’s giant glowing adverts spark controversy
Populous is facing growing opposition to its plans for a spherical arena in east London after both the London Mayor and local councils voiced concerns over its 90m-high ad display
RIBA announces Client of the Year finalists
The Yorkshire Sculpture Park has been named among the contenders for the RIBA Client of the Year 2019 award
Astragal: Irony alert as Heathrow expansion factors in climate change
Irony has gasped its final breath. It has emerged that Grimshaw ’s designs for the expansion of Heathrow Airport will be informed by the principles of climate adaptation.
Private houses dominate 2019 Stephen Lawrence Prize shortlist
The 2019 Stephen Lawrence Prize shortlist is dominated by private houses, with bespoke one-off homes making up five of the six finalists for the £5,000 award
Have your say
You must sign in to make a comment
Please remember that the submission of any material is governed by our Terms and Conditions and by submitting material you confirm your agreement to these Terms and Conditions.
Links may be included in your comments but HTML is not permitted.
Readers' comments (1)
Tanya Telford28 July, 2009 12:03 pm
read about his piece in New York which i wanted to see so good news that he's doing similar project in london,
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment