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.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-hero2.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=126&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=7a7144dbe3b8bd6c3e1eba5644c5d3bd 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-hero2.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=252&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=71bce702c220f5295241b862fa76f59d 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-hero2.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=461&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=26a598e3b941031dd3cf7cfb9592d274 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-hero2.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=614&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=df0a97cdaed0a4e18fea07632e76508d 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-hero2.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=840&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=ddbe8c275e088a9366fafb357c3c74ab 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-hero2.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=960&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=8cd433367e0575414f4a2abb0b5bdb46 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-hero2.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1152&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=037da0510fa9cf5527c0dde47a4e5ba7 1920w)
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-19.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=227&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=a8108ad43b5df7639a333d79d12acd8c 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-19.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=454&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=1415955d7ee0bbb5f0d8bcff200fb5cd 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-19.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=831&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=1968a422d80b76a4ccb67ceaf213efdc 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-19.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1108&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=87aaf310d377c4c3338cf7ab3f436bf2 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-19.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1514&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=e106534aa1a530aaba929e13b8aa3e34 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-19.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1731&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=247543793ad4f6bab8538d264c535198 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-19.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2077&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=87baa8516a921ae05cae7fda62cfdcb0 1920w)
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.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-14.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=140&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=50287af86cdbd6bbab040962c96423fb 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-14.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=33bb4bf48fd1b464d03fe3db25249d7c 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-14.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=512&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=4bba33882f9e6ecdebb6e5e718231e0d 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-14.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=683&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=41ee92ae833b7b3d8524da7cbeb94cd4 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-14.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=933&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=0138acb62baf0b8d53238e544e393b08 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-14.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1067&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=28929d3c7ecfce0edb566b0e93e2d7ac 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-14.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=5e24beb2445cec31b5cc90528267a13b 1920w)
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.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-20.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=166&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=fd2f91a93bc20503ceda70eb08324b9d 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-20.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=333&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=1a42ba8d1b14fffd5fe83a5415e9eb20 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-20.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=608&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=472c4c468fe331757c980c93f7507352 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-20.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=811&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=b6c5d5d73a580db9cac75cddce4c1de2 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-20.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1109&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=cf0e00cad5788c70ff5cd880a5689f2d 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-20.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1268&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=75df0e17f810f23245372383905ca979 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-20.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1521&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=c051f0eef2a834bb4e52420cb327ca67 1920w)
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-23.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=301&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=b30b25f952b7ede393c9fb6ed4782811 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-23.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=601&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=ad2c30defd5ef146436e07d87e3b1516 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-23.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1099&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=88a86776678624cdf17d874ae7ad4dc2 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-23.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1466&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=a91bf800b0ccb861d6951dd56740726f 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-23.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2004&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=13500d8708404f219c9ca48a70bea38f 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-23.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2290&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=48487413ddfec315b096a42d7befcbe2 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-23.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2748&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=6afdc21d099d20da49d9fc3e7f754915 1920w)
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.
![](https://www.makearchitects.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BasilStEscalator_Make-drawing.png)
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-17.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=167&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=9d32c2cd48f5695d2183d68bf615b339 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-17.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=333&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=b419d28dec15a25159593384807e947a 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-17.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=609&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=6f5e214512edb5baab33ba8994358f52 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-17.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=812&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=e8252d26022bb56bd23249e4dc02782b 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-17.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1110&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=d6b9717d72fd750e3b1f70e9f67e8da0 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-17.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1269&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=26e1910a93dad273bea72d8f081eec8e 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-17.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1523&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=159d1d34901439030233eee506709d71 1920w)
Original staircase
The beautiful 1920s staircase has been meticulously restored to its original splendour and the faux Egyptian theme removed.![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-13.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=315&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=b738aa23d72d392b71b5eb2ed3719aab 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-13.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=630&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=0695ad444e26938c360c127dafd1aad8 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-13.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1152&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=9fdbd735ba0458cabb43e7a000b81eed 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-13.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1536&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=dc97cd999947d2459d93104827405893 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-13.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2100&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=3365e08fae5b21bf649d208574fdb222 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-13.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2400&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=44a5f142312c242c316730cb95e9177a 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-13.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2880&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=348b01fad651c1b7c431fe00dafccd91 1920w)
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.![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-26.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=87&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=38c074a6d20d5c62ed5c27e3a7f84375 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-26.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=175&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=42e628eaff1bbafbf79e477d66024d6c 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-26.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=320&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=f026937ac5ec9d9705d4df14fb1d914c 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-26.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=426&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=0fe1466e710f27f7a08c035c76942b07 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-26.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=583&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=5609eb7268d95d19453966e87c36a835 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-26.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=666&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=1da52748c73e8a842e3b9a7b945f8a77 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FBasilStEscalator_Make-26.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=799&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=1f91fda5dc28619c33ea8e019aee5c40 1920w)