November 20, 2003

	Images of the "Music Box" courtesy of BBC/FOA

Foreign Office Architects has won a competition to design the British Broadcasting Corporation’s (BBC) new music center at White City, London. Three other architectural practices participated in the competition: Future Systems, Ushida Findlay Architects and Zaha Hadid. MVRDV was part of a previous shortlist. The new music center, to be called The Music Box, is expected to open in 2006. It will house BBC music ensembles and provide state-of-the-art facilities for their performances and recordings. The Music Box is part of a wider plan to move all of the BBC's performing groups into new or renovated buildings in the next four years. 

“This has been a very close run decision with all four designs being truly inspirational but Foreign Office Architects’ vision for the Music Box was the most exciting and innovative interpretation of what the BBC wanted,” said John Smith, BBC Director of Finance, Property and Business Affairs. “[Foreign Office Architects’] design majors on openness with emphasis on public space. This will ensure that the Music Box not only becomes a center of excellence for music making at the BBC but will also be an integral part of our commitment to involve the local community."

Through the BBC’s redevelopment of White City and the BBC’s policy to open its doors to the people of West London, the Music Box is expected to foster regeneration in the area. The local community will be able to attend recordings and performances, and participate in music projects as part of an outreach program. 

Diana Lind

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