The waterfront façade of the building is made of individual polygonal glass frames resembling sparkly fish scales, which reflect water and light, creating a kaleidoscope of luminous colors. Aside from lighting up the harbor, the glass allows total usage of natural lighting during daytime, changing hues as the seasons change. In the evening, a system of LED lights illuminate the inside, giving the building a warm glow that is reflected in the dark waters of the harbor.
The massive 28,000 square meter interior, designed by Henning Larsen and Batteriid Architects, hosts four main halls which represent the elements. A firey 1800 seat grand concert hall, called Eldborg, emulates Iceland’s volcanic activity. The smaller halls represent the Northern Lights (air), calcite crystals (earth), and a cold lagoon (water).
Harpa will be the center of a project to re-enliven Reykjavik’s harbor front, drawing crowds as the new home of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera. The building will also host conferences and meetings.
Via Frame Mag
Images © Olafur Eliasson
The facade is incredibility 1950′s. When everyone was interested in simple repetitive geometry.I have to say I was expecting much more. The interior shot looks amazing but the facade not so much.
So how is this immense space sustainably kept comfortable – as in good climate?
Is this sustainable architecture?
This is a concert hall, it looks more like the place where Jor-El launched his sons spacecraft.