The Festival Theatre in Edinburgh commissioned a new reception desk to redefine its entrance hall. The intervention needed to feel crisp, precise, and legible from the street.
The new Corian desk now anchors the foyer. It signals arrival from outside and introduces a soft glow within the interior.
Context & Brief
As one of Edinburgh’s most recognisable cultural venues, the Festival Theatre balances heritage with contemporary use. Therefore, the new desk had to respect the historic setting while supporting modern operational needs.
The brief called for increased staff capacity and improved display space. At the same time, the desk needed to act as a visual marker within the large entrance hall.
Design Approach
The design adopts a clear and minimal form. Clean edges and smooth surfaces give the desk a strong presence without overpowering the space.
Positioning plays a key role. From the street, the desk reads as a beacon. Inside, it guides visitors intuitively towards the point of welcome.
Material & Craft
Corian was selected for its durability and seamless finish. The material allows the desk to read as a single, sculpted object.
Integrated back-lighting enhances this effect. Colour-changing LEDs sit within the body of the desk and gently illuminate the foyer.
Light & Experience
Lighting transforms the desk from a functional element into a responsive feature. The LEDs can colour-match specific performances and events.
As a result, the reception desk becomes part of the theatre’s storytelling. It shifts mood while remaining understated and elegant.
Outcome
The new reception desk upgrades a key public interface within the theatre. It supports staff, improves visibility, and enhances the visitor experience.
Ultimately, the project shows how a carefully designed object can bring clarity, warmth, and identity to a historic interior.
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