Concept design and branding for the refurbishment of the Austrian Cultural Forum in Knightsbridge. This Grade II listed building was converted into the new face of Austria in London. Combining the performance of arts, musical and literary events within a single building along with providing access to the unique library of the Austrian Cultural Forum this project provides a headquarters for the portrayal of all things Austrian in the capital. Nick Baker Architects have created a calm and illuminating backdrop for the forum’s activities. The existing basement has become a cavernous white zone for exhibitions and installations. The ground floor, with new Austrian oak parquet flooring and structural openings to the corridors and courtyard provides an open plan reception and library. The main staircase to the upper levels exposes its stone bones with swan necked handrails to the harsh context of the reconfigured skylight above. By exposing the connection between the Butler’s stair and the main staircase natural daylight from the skylight above permeates to a number of levels of the building creating a valuable visible link in what is an essentially vertical building. Additionally the white staircase wall colouring serves as a backdrop to accentuate the warmth of the original Portland stone stairs whilst acting as a canvas for the diurnal artwork of the coloured manifestation on the skylight. Streaks of red light reach deep onto the salon landing across the stairs in the summer months to recede to the half landing in winter. The Salon itself is restored to its original function and splendour as a place of entertainment and performance maintaining its chandeliers and cornices. The office levels above have had errant pipework and fitted furniture removed to provide for services integrated in new floorboxes and additional parquet. Finally the principle of drawing daylight into the core of the building has been completed with a second skylight installed at roof level. Similar red manifestations cast alternative shadows through the staircase to the levels below.