Positive Impact: Levitt Bernstein, Bristol Beacon
Continuing our Positive Impact series, Levitt Bernstein’s Camille Moreno reflects on the studio’s landmark project, its role in fostering a sustainable community and the importance of culture in bringing our cities to life.
photography by ShotAway
This article first appeared in Mix Interiors #232
It’s no wonder Bristol’s iconic performing arts centre bears the name ‘Beacon’. Located in the city centre, this reclaimed cultural institution serves as a guidepost for creative artistic innovation by stitching together culture and memory through sustainable design. Made possible by various funders and a considerable amount of local support, the £132m transformation has considered the resources, challenges and long-term social impact on both the current, as well as future, Bristolian community.
Despite having been refurbished and amended numerous times over the course of its over 150-year lifespan, the complex, large-scale restoration of Bristol Beacon is the most significant act of conservation since its 1867 inception. Originally opened as a classical concert hall, the striking Victorian building quickly rose in popularity and by the 1970s became one of Britain’s most venerated music venues. However, by 2009 the fabric had not been touched in over 60 years.
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