Post on 30-Jan-2021
transcript
Harpa - Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre, Iceland
Lead Architects: Henning Larsen Architects and Batteriid Architects
Façade design and development: Olafur Eliasson and Studio Olafur Eliasson in
collaboration with Henning Larsen Architects
Project Name: Harpa - Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre
Client: Harpa
Select Categories: Architecture – Cultural Architecture
Photos: Nic Lehoux
Video Link: https://vimeo.com/131408250
Online Magazine:
https://issuu.com/henninglarsenarchitects/docs/harpa_magazine_eng_09032012
Brief Description of project: Harpa emerges on the border between land and sea. The
building stands out as a large, radiant sculpture reflecting both sky and harbor space, as well
as the vibrant city life of Reykjavik. Harpa constitutes a striking addition to the Icelandic
and European cultural scene and has become a landmark in the redevelopment of
Reykjavik’s historic harbor and waterfront area—as well as a symbol of Iceland’s renewed
dynamics.
The 28,000-square-meter building comprises both concert and conference facilities,
including four main halls, exhibition spaces, and several meeting rooms. The halls all have
independent identities, while at the same time forming part of the overall perception of the
building. All halls are equipped with flexible acoustic elements to support a wide range of
events. The main concert hall is capable of accommodating up to 1,800 people.
Seen from the foyer, the halls form a massif that—similar to rock on the coast— forms a stark
contrast to the expressive, open façade. At the core, the largest hall of the building, the main
concert hall, unfolds its interior as a glowing center of force.
The changing daylight penetrating the façade creates a vibrant, adventurous play of light,
shadow, and color in the foyer. Harpa’s multifaceted glass façades are the result of a unique
collaboration between the renowned artist Olafur Eliasson and Henning Larsen Architects.
The design is based on a geometric principle, actualized in two and three dimensions.
Inspired by the crystallized basalt columns commonly found in Iceland, the southern façades
create kaleidoscopic reflections of the city and the magnificent surrounding landscape.
Sustainability has been a guiding parameter in the overall architectonic arrangement of the
museum. Fundamental elements such as the building’s geometry and orientation have been
considered in order to maximize every square meter.
https://vimeo.com/131408250https://issuu.com/henninglarsenarchitects/docs/harpa_magazine_eng_09032012
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Detail bottom Quasi Brick
Facade North
Facade South
Section Main hall
SectionGG_Foyer_East_West
Sitplan_LandslagPlaza_simpler
Plan Level 1
Plan Level 2