KOKO

KOKO originally a music theatre by W.G.R. Sprague, has had its’ 122 year history re-invigorated. Whilst paying homage to the history of the theatre; the new architectural project has amalgamated the Hope & Anchor pub and former piano factory with an extensive new extension into a transformative complex, becoming a dynamic, future-facing broadcasting experience alongside the full restoration of the theatre, and multiple venues on a singular site. Much of the activity focuses on the auditorium, where acts can perform in the round, and the adjoining Victorian fly tower, which created an opportunity to become an immersive music venue in its’ own right. Original scenography from the 1900s was discovered during the redevelopment work is revealed in the backdrop. The FT described KOKO as ‘The Arts Space for the Future’ where the ambition is to create a cultural and global landmark for emerging musicians and artists. In developing the concept, the architect’s embodied KOKO’s ‘sui generis’ by being able to create a social environment for the present as it has done throughout its’ history. The architects have reversed the erosion of the building’s heritage and re-attested its position within Camden’s urban fabric. Interventions arrange the theatre over multiple galleries overseeing the stage, sitting below the discovery of the original theatrical flywheel. Laterally linking the galleries to decks of the new social spaces within the adjacent new structure creates an architectural first, where hospitality sits alongside an immersive social and musical environment including a recording studio, artist’s lounge, jazz bar, vinyl room, listening booths, bars and dining spaces. The projects’ sensitivity to the historic fabric highlights Sprague’s free classical façade, the full reconstruction of the dome (post fire). A pioneering glazed rooftop pavilion suspends above the original auditorium, created through ingenious structural solution respecting the existing historic interior, not achieved above a Victorian Theatre before. Throughout, historic plasterwork has been restored in the music hall interiors and the creation of ‘House of KOKO’, as a standalone club, is connected by clever backstage lateral routes which run vertical and horizontally connecting every area, behind the stage and into the new pavilion and dome. All of this is supplemented by surviving historical cleats, ropes and theatrical machinery, all adding to the originality and expression of combining hospitality, music apparatus and performance spaces, public and private. A decorative front façade is now complete with the dome reconstruction. Scalloped copings, an open terrace and glazed canopy sheltering guests. The pub retains its faience façade from 1860 and as the building turns into the mews, the upper floors provide a rhythm of aluminium U-sections organising Crittal factory windows sitting above the former piano works. Glazed bottle-green tiles complete the transformation linking the new building with the Hope & Anchor before the building steps back to reveal the dome and reinstated cupola. With shared intimacy or collective celebration, KOKO’s revival as a grand old hall with a new lease of life through live streaming, recording, hospitality and live entertainment will ensure its’ survival for future generations.