Royal Albert Hall Photo by C.-A. Roy
Royal College of Music photo bt C.-A. Roy
Royal Albert Hall is the figurehead of Albertopolis, a South Kensington city block comprised of architectural wonders built for Londoners, following Prince Albert’s vision. This architectural gem of the Victorian era was inspired by ancient amphitheatres and gives place to an exceptional city experience, both from inside and outside. The building offers a panoramic view of the stage as well as the audience on the inside. Outside, it is rimmed by the Royal College of Art to the West, the Royal College of Music to the South, and Kensington Gardens to the north.
The regulars of this area stroll on Exhibition Road, a promenade with wide pedestrian paths leading people straight to the park, or to a small conglomeration of cafés and restaurants, walking along museums, institutes and university buildings. Exhibition Road gets its name from the 1851 Great Exhibition, held at the Crystal Palace, in Hyde Park. Royal Albert Hall was a continuation of this international event. It is still a successful venue today because it is the fruit of a genuine desire to bring people together under the same roof to experience and discover music of all kind.
Royal Albert Hall: BBC Proms photo by C.-A. Roy
During the BBC Proms (Promenade Concerts), people in the arena can either walk around, stand, or stare at the color illuminated diffusers while laying down on the floor, listening to the concert. This informal way of participating to a classical concert is the reflection of a changing and adapting society, mixing music genres and placing the celebration of songs and airs before all else. And the pure geometry of this building permits such change and adapting, seemingly with almost very little effort. It surely has been carefully thought out… Every City should have one.
Thoughts on the City 