BAFTA, 195 Piccadilly

The building is a central hub for all the academy’s activities including specialist screenings, judging panels, members club, gallery and external events. To ensure the building remains a world-class facility an extensive refurbishment has recently been completed.

Charcoalblue were appointed as a key part of the project team led by Beniditti Architects to provide reimagining and specification of the audio-visual and screening systems for two top of the range cinemas, immersive events spaces, new roof terraces, exhibition spaces and club area.

As the building is frequented by many of the leading lights of the British film, television and gaming industry, the design and implementation of technology had to be of the highest possible standard. Charcoalblue worked closely with the client team to discover innovative, technical solutions to create a space that is identifiable as the home of the moving image.

The brief included the Princess Anne Theatre where many BAFTA awards are decided. One of the most technologically advanced screening facilities in the world, featuring Dolby Vision projectors and Dolby Atmos sound, the superb Princess Anne Theatre offers you a viewing experience like no other.

With a large stage, luxurious armchair style seating, ample leg room, comfort cooling temperature controlled air conditioning and perfect sightlines from every seat, the Princess Anne Theatre is the ideal place for a screening, presentation, conference, seminar or Awards ceremony.

The refurbishment also provides numerous event spaces including the Ray Dolby Room; an elegant and spacious event studio with cutting edge technology built into its fabric, oodles of natural light and full blackout capabilities complimented with amazing projection mapping, stunning HD projection, broadcast capabilities, crystal clear sound through QSC speakers and a digital ‘step and repeat’ wall means allowing the venue to create endless possibilities for events; all of which can be delivered in a live, virtual or hybrid way.

An award winning project, the cinemas are some of the highest technically specified in the country. The redevelopment of 195 Piccadilly and the use of state-of-the-art technology solutions are enabling BAFTA to re-launch its learning and talent development program. The new programme will engage over 10m learners with a BAFTA resource online and equip 80,000 people a year with the tools to develop a career in film, games and television via events, competitions, and initiatives. In addition, bespoke year-round support will be given to 4,000 talented individuals through initiatives including BAFTA Breakthrough, BAFTA Crew and Young Game Designers.

The Charcoalblue team are immensely proud of this iconic project, particularly having delivered the final stages of the project through the COVID-19 pandemic epitomising the commitment of the team.