As part of its 75th anniversary, the Royal Festival Hall at the Southbank Centre has undergone a considered refresh of its hospitality spaces, with Case Furniture specified throughout the redesign.
Working within this landmark setting, Sedley Place approached the project with sensitivity and intent. The building’s Grade I listed status required a careful balance, ensuring that any additions respected its architectural character while enhancing the experience for today’s visitors.
Appointed to deliver the updated interiors, the studio introduced a scheme that feels both familiar and renewed, integrating Case pieces that sit comfortably within the building’s modernist language.
A careful balance of heritage and renewal
The Royal Festival Hall is one of London’s most recognisable cultural landmarks. Its Grade I listed status meant that every intervention had to be carefully judged, preserving the building’s character while subtly improving how it is used day to day.
The brief was to refresh the hospitality areas across multiple levels, ensuring they continue to serve a wide and varied audience. From pre-performance drinks to moments of pause overlooking the Thames, the spaces needed to feel open and inclusive.
A democratic space, reimagined
At the heart of the concept was a desire to honour the building’s original ethos, a place for everyone. The Royal Festival Hall has long been seen as a democratic space, welcoming visitors whether they are attending a concert, meeting friends, or simply passing through.
The redesign builds on this idea. Seating and layouts were considered to encourage both social interaction and moments of rest, while maintaining a visual lightness that allows the architecture, and the views beyond, to take centre stage.
Designed to sit effortlessly within the space
Case pieces were selected for their clarity of form, material integrity and enduring quality, qualities that align naturally with the building’s modernist architecture.
The 675 Chair by Robin Day blends seamlessly with the interiors, while the foldable Narin Chair and Loku Stools offer café style communal seating. Eos outdoor furniture provides flexible seating to enjoy the amazing views outside. Bespoke pieces were also made for the project, including communal public working desks in the main foyer, Dulwich group banquet and bar tables, as well as working desks in the Member's Lounge.
In the Members’ Lounge on Level 6, bespoke working desks were developed to meet the needs of a more private, focused environment, extending the same design language while responding to a different use case.
Project details
Client: Southbank Centre – Royal Festival Hall
Location: London, UK
Completion: 2025
Category: Hospitality
Case products featured: Narin chair, 675 chair, Loku Stool, Dulwich bar table in custom size, Dulwich table in custom size, Eos Outdoor Collection
Bespoke elements: Members’ Lounge working desks
