Honouring a historic landmark
At the heart of London’s Covent Garden lies the Royal Opera House – one of the world’s most iconic cultural landmarks, celebrated for its extraordinary opera and ballet performances. With roots stretching back to 1723 and the current building completed in 1858, it’s a place where history and art go hand in hand. When the time came to modernise the venue for a new era of performance, the challenge was clear: bring in the latest technology without losing the charm and character of the space. LSI Projects were first brought on for a package of works across several areas – but as the project progressed, their role expanded. They were trusted to deliver and integrate cutting-edge lighting, sound and AV systems across the entire site.
Working to specifications set by consultants Arup and collaborating with Rise Management Consulting Ltd, LSI Projects installed state-of-the-art systems across multiple iconic spaces within the Royal Opera House. This included the introduction of fibre data systems and modern connectivity solutions, carefully integrated into the building’s historic fabric to preserve its heritage.
Key areas of work included:
As part of the larger refurbishment, the Linbury Studio Theatre was completely remodelled by architects Stanton Williams and theatre consultants Charcoalblue.
The transformation created a new horseshoe-shaped auditorium, requiring the full replacement of electrical, stage lighting, AV and broadcast camera systems to meet modern production standards.
Meanwhile, the Open Up project revitalised the foyer spaces beneath the Paul Hamlyn Hall, allowing for greater public circulation and flexible use for events, concerts and private functions – all supported by LSI’s carefully installed AV and paging infrastructure.
LSI Projects’ Contribution Included:
Through technical precision and a deep respect for the Royal Opera House’s historic character, LSI Projects successfully delivered a modern, resilient technical infrastructure. The result is a seamless blend of old and new – ensuring that this world-famous venue continues to inspire audiences for generations to come.
Working globally on some of the most technically advanced venue and broadcast projects, we have built an enviable reputation as a world leader in system integration.
