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Harpa Concert Hall by Olafur Eliasson and Henning Larsen Architects, exteriorReykjavik's shimmering glass <a href="http://www.harpa.is/">Harpa Concert Hall</a> just won the <a href="http://www.miesbcn.com/en/award.html">2013 Mies van der Rohe Award</a>! Designed by <a href="http://www.olafureliasson.net/studio.html" target="_blank">Studio Olafur Eliasson</a> and <a href="http://www.henninglarsen.com/themes/frontpage.aspx" target="_blank">Henning Larsen Architects</a>, the project <a href="http://inhabitat.com/icelands-luminous-new-harpa-concert-hall-nears-completion/" target="_blank">started construction</a> right after <a href="http://inhabitat.com/iceland-harnesses-geothermal-sources-able-to-power-over-1-2-million-homes/" target="_blank">Iceland</a>’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.1
Harpa Concert Hall by Olafur Eliasson and Henning Larsen Architects, exteriorThe waterfront façade of the building is made of individual polygon <a href="http://inhabitat.com/crystalline-domed-mansueto-library-features-robotic-book-retrieval-system/" target="_blank">glass frames</a> resembling sparkly fish scales, which reflect water and light, creating a kaleidoscope of luminous colors.2
Harpa Concert Hall by Olafur Eliasson and Henning Larsen ArchitectsAside from lighting up the harbor, the glass allows total usage of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/cylindrical-henley-house-is-a-light-drenched-planetarium-style-abode/" target="_blank">natural lighting</a> during daytime, changing hues as the seasons change. In the evening, a system of LED lights illuminate the inside, giving the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/new-w-hotel-in-london-is-wrapped-in-an-amazing-illuminated-facade/" target="_blank">building a warming and striking glow</a> that is reflected in the dark waters of the harbor. The massive 28,000 square meter interior, designed by <a href="http://inhabitat.com/its-always-play-time-at-henning-larsens-beautiful-green-roofed-day-care-center/" target="_blank">Henning Larsen</a> and <a href="http://www.arkitekt.is/" target="_blank">Batteriid Architects</a>, hosts four main halls which represent the elements.3
Harpa Concert Hall by Olafur Eliasson and Henning Larsen ArchitectsA firey 1800 seat grand concert hall, called eldborg, emulates Iceland’s <a href="http://inhabitat.com/mexico-unveils-gigantic-green-roofed-volcano-soccer-stadium/" target="_blank">volcanic</a> activity. The smaller halls represent the Northern Lights (air), Calcite crystals (earth), and a cold lagoon (water).4
Harpa Concert Hall by Olafur Eliasson and Henning Larsen Architects, glass facadend a cold lagoon (water). Harpa is the center of a project to re-enliven Reykjavik’s <a href="http://inhabitat.com/foster-partners-green-roofed-kai-tak-terminal-breaks-ground-in-hong-kong/" target="_blank">harbor</a> front, drawing crowds as the new home of the Iceland <a href="http://inhabitat.com/empac-is-a-cutting-edge-glowing-glass-green-performing-arts-center/" target="_blank">Symphony Orchestra</a> and the Icelandic Opera.5
Harpa Concert Hall by Olafur Eliasson and Henning Larsen Architects, glassThe building also hosts conferences and meetings.6
Harpa Concert Hall by Olafur Eliasson and Henning Larsen Architects, interior<big><a href="http://www.harpa.is/">+ Harpa Concert Hall</a></big>7
