Studio Olafur Eliasson’s Crystalline Harpa Concert Hall Wins the 2013 Mies van der Rohe Award

Posted By Lori Zimmer On April 30, 2013 @ 1:40 pm In Architecture,carousel showcase,gallery | 3 Comments

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Reykjavik's shimmering glass Harpa Concert Hall ^[6] just won the 2013 Mies van der Rohe Award ^[7]! Designed by Studio Olafur Eliasson ^[8] and Henning Larsen Architects ^[9], the project started construction ^[10] right after Iceland ^[11]’s economy tanked, but has proven itself to be a beacon of the nation's recovery. The glittering hall mimics basalt crystals, which are indigenous to Iceland.

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The waterfront façade of the Harpa Concert Hall ^[6] is made of individual polygonal glass frames ^[13] 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 ^[14] 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 ^[15] that is reflected in the dark waters of the harbor.

The massive 28,000 square meter interior, designed by Henning Larsen ^[16] and Batteriid Architects ^[17], hosts four main halls which represent the elements. A fiery 1800 seat grand concert hall, called Eldborg,  emulates Iceland’s volcanic ^[18] activity. The smaller halls represent the Northern Lights (air), calcite crystals (earth), and a cold lagoon (water).

Harpa is the center of a project to re-enliven Reykjavik’s harbor ^[19] front, drawing crowds as the new home of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra ^[20] and the Icelandic Opera. The building also hosts conferences and meetings.

+ Harpa Concert Hall ^[6]

+ Studio Olafur Eliasson ^[8]

+ Henning Larsen Architects ^[9]

+ Batteriid Architects ^[17]

Images © Olafur Eliasson

Article printed from Inhabitat – Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building: http://inhabitat.com

URL to article: http://inhabitat.com/olafur-eliassons-crystal-inspired-concert-hall-opens-in-reykjavik/

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[3] Email: mailto:?subject=http://inhabitat.com/olafur-eliassons-crystal-inspired-concert-hall-opens-in-reykjavik/

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[5]  : http://inhabitat.com/olafur-eliassons-crystal-inspired-concert-hall-opens-in-reykjavik/harpa-henning-larsen-olfafur-eliasson-6/?extend=1

[6] Harpa Concert Hall: http://www.harpa.is/

[7] 2013 Mies van der Rohe Award: http://www.miesbcn.com/en/award.html

[8] Studio Olafur Eliasson: http://www.olafureliasson.net/studio.html

[9] Henning Larsen Architects: http://www.henninglarsen.com/themes/frontpage.aspx

[10] started construction: http://inhabitat.com/icelands-luminous-new-harpa-concert-hall-nears-completion/

[11] Iceland: http://inhabitat.com/iceland-harnesses-geothermal-sources-able-to-power-over-1-2-million-homes/

[12] Image: http://inhabitat.com/olafur-eliassons-crystal-inspired-concert-hall-opens-in-reykjavik/harpa-henning-larsen-olfafur-eliasson-6/

[13] glass frames: http://inhabitat.com/crystalline-domed-mansueto-library-features-robotic-book-retrieval-system/

[14] natural lighting: http://inhabitat.com/cylindrical-henley-house-is-a-light-drenched-planetarium-style-abode/

[15] building a warm glow: http://inhabitat.com/new-w-hotel-in-london-is-wrapped-in-an-amazing-illuminated-facade/

[16] Henning Larsen: http://inhabitat.com/its-always-play-time-at-henning-larsens-beautiful-green-roofed-day-care-center/

[17] Batteriid Architects: http://www.arkitekt.is/

[18] volcanic: http://inhabitat.com/mexico-unveils-gigantic-green-roofed-volcano-soccer-stadium/

[19] harbor: http://inhabitat.com/foster-partners-green-roofed-kai-tak-terminal-breaks-ground-in-hong-kong/

[20] Symphony Orchestra: http://inhabitat.com/empac-is-a-cutting-edge-glowing-glass-green-performing-arts-center/

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