Glasgow’s futuristic Clyde Auditorium is a new building and part of the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC), Scotland’s national venue for public events and also the UK’s largest integrated exhibition/conference centre. As you can see, it looks rather like an armadillo from the outside.
Designed with acoustics in mind, it holds 3,000 people on three levels and promises to be a terrific place for David to play his first show in Scotland since 1974. The stage is 18m wide and 12m deep. The theatre itself is kitted out in dark blue and black velour – very nice indeed.
History and building
Plans for a new building to increase the capacity of the SECC complex were initiated in 1995. Designed by award-winning architects Foster and Partners, the 3,000 seat venue was completed in 1997, by which time it had earned its affectionate nickname due to the similarity of its shape to that of the animal of the same name. Many comparisons have been made with the Sydney Opera House, although this was not the architects’ inspiration for the design, which was in fact an interlocking series of ship’s hulls, in reference to the Clyde’s shipbuilding heritage.
The building has quickly become one of the most recognisable on Clydeside and one of the images most associated with modern Glasgow.
The Clyde Auditorium is more than just a fantastic, purpose-built venue; it’s been described as Glasgow’s most iconic building and its stylish curves are a landmark sight in the city. Affectionately known as ‘the Armadillo’, it charms conference delegates and visitors with its unique style and practical, comfortable facilities.
The Clyde Auditorium, created by world-renowned architects Foster and Partners, was designed from the inside out with the requirements of conference delegates and speakers as the prime consideration. It offers 3,000 seats over three levels yet has the ability to provide an ideal setting for much smaller meetings. It has a substantial stage backed up with breakout rooms, registration area and organiser’s offices. Little wonder it has become one of Europe’s leading conference venues.
Technical facilities at the SECC are first-class. There’s access to AV, lighting and sound capabilities that allow you to stage the most complex and logistically challenging events.
