Our redesigned Basil Street escalator hall is a key component of the major refurbishments currently being undertaken at Harrods. We were commissioned to design 16 escalators, install a new rooflight, restore the original listed Edwardian staircase and complete a full interior fit-out of the hall. Our design enhances the unique architectural qualities of Harrods’ Grade II*-listed building while adding beautifully crafted contemporary interventions in keeping with its character.
We designed the escalators to unify the hall and introduce a sense of grandeur, using handcrafted bespoke cladding with proportions that mirror those on the stone columns on the Basil Street exterior. We also reopened the window reveals to draw in natural light, and given each landing a dedicated LED visual merchandising wall. The hall’s centrepiece is a striking chandelier designed by sculptor Dale Chihuly and formed from more than 900 individual pieces of hand-blown glass, the forms of which are unique to this space.
We worked closely with English Heritage and a Conservation Architect to ensure our additions work seamlessly with the building’s existing elements, using materials, finishes and details that enhance both old and new. The end product is a design that expertly integrates Harrods’ rich history and brand values into its built fabric, maintaining a sense of quality as well as continuity.
This stunning escalator hall has enhanced the customer experience and reflects the original beauty of the Knightsbridge store while forming part of the new architectural heritage for Harrods.
Chandelier
A bespoke contemporary glass chandelier designed by sculptor Dale Chihuly forms a stunning centrepiece to the revamped Basil Street entrance, with the dramatic installation offering a counterbalance to the controlled design of the escalators.
The escalators are expressed as a huge sculptural insertion that unifies the hall and introduces a sense of grandeur. Inspired by the understated elegance of Art Deco design, the bespoke escalator cladding is formed from hand-crafted bronze-finished fluted casings that mirror the fluting of the stone columns found on the Basil Street exterior.
Original staircase
The beautiful 1920s staircase has been meticulously restored to its original splendour and the faux Egyptian theme removed.
Restored staircase
The restoration involved the reinstatement of the original Edwardian cast metal newel lighting posts, removed in 1986, plus multiple repairs to the bronze handrails and banisters, steps, floors and wall surfaces.
