Make Architects talks about its designs for the famous London store

London store Harrods has unveiled its newly refurbished Escalator 3, designed by Make Architects, the concept celebrates and respects the store’s heritage (see video below).

The redesigned space is located behind the Basil Street frontage of Harrods, and includes 16 escalators over eight floors, restoration of the 1928 listed staircase, upgrade of all interior finishes and the creation of a dramatic new rooflight.

Bespoke escalators, with British-made fluted bronze cladding, were drawn from the details and proportion of the external facade of Basil Street. The listed Art Deco staircase was restored by reintroducing cast metal newel lights and sourcing the last remaining blocks of the original Slovenian marble.

Make re-opened large windows that were previously covered and extended the hall to roof level with an elegant new rooflight. This has opened up the hall to the street and allowed daylight in.

Martin Illingworth, Harrods director of store development, talks about the collaboration, Make’s first project with the store: “Continued strategic investment from our owners, Qatar Holding, has allowed us to breathe new life into Harrods and develop this stunning escalator which will greatly enhance the customer experience and sets a new benchmark in escalator design.”

Ian Lomas, Make partner and lead project architect, shares: “The design process was almost like an archaeological dig. We kept uncovering new things and our design had to consider their significance. It was a case of stripping back to see what already existed and then developing a fresh design from there.

Work started on site in January this year and the hall is now open to the public.