I think it is appropriate to start with this impressive building in Reykjavík, Iceland.
Photo by @currystrumpet
HARPAN he concert hall in Reykjavík, Iceland. Opened in 2011
Area: 28000.0 m2
Architects are Danish Henning Larsen Architects in collaboration with Icelandic firm Batteríið and Landslag for the plaza. Glass work by Ólafur Eliasson Icelandic-Danish artist.
Photo by @harpareykjavik
I have certain feelings for this building. Apart from it being beautiful and it being in Reykjavík Iceland. When I was an architect student I worked on its construction site for a short while. I was very impressed to see the acoustic construction of every room. Isolated rooms are double layered walls with so called BOX in BOX construction where the outer walls don't touch the inner walls except with a rubber nots. The acoustics in the concert halls are great of my opinion... I am not a specialist in acoustics but it sounds pretty amazing.
Photo by @zwerger.schoner
The description of the building from the architects:
Situated on the border between land and sea, the Centre stands out as a large, radiant sculpture reflecting both sky and harbour space as well as the vibrant life of the city. The spectacular facades have been designed in close collaboration between Henning Larsen Architects, the Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson and the engineering companies Rambøll and ArtEngineering GmbH from Germany.
The Concert Hall and Conference Centre is situated in a solitary spot with a clear view of the enormous sea and the mountains surrounding Reykjavik. The Centre features an arrival- and foyer area in the front of the building, four halls in the middle and a backstage area with offices, administration, rehearsal hall and changing room in the back of the building. The three large halls are placed next to each other with public access on the south side and backstage access from the north. The fourth floor is a multifunctional hall with room for more intimate shows and banquets.
Seen from the foyer, the halls form a mountain-like massif that similar to basalt rock on the coast forms a stark contrast to the expressive and open facade. At the core of the rock, the largest hall of the Centre, the main concert hall, reveals its interior as a red-hot centre of force.
Photographs: Courtesy of Henning Larsen Architects except else is noted under the image.
Cite: "Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre / Henning Larsen Architects" 17 Jan 2018.
