Architect(s): Henning Larsen Architects
Address: Austurbakki 2, REYKJAVÍK, Iceland
Latitude/Longitude: 64.150235,-21.932307
The Centre sits on the border between land and sea, standing out as a large, radiant sculpture reflecting both sky and harbour space as well as the vibrant life of the city. Henning Larsen Architects, the artist Olafur Eliasson with Danish-Iceland roots and the engineering companies Rambøll and ArtEngineering GmbH from Germany collaborated to design the spectacular facades.
The Concert Hall and Conference Centre has a clear view of the enormous sea and the mountains surrounding Reykjavik in an area of 28,000m² at a solitary spot. An arrival and foyer area are found 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 have public access on the south side and backstage access from the north and are placed next to each other with. A multifunctional hall with room for more intimate shows and banquets lies on the fourth floor.
A mountain-like massif similar to basalt rock on the coast forming a stark contrast to the expressive and open facade is the form of the halls that are seen from the foyer. The main concert hall which is the largest hall of the Centre, reveals its interior as a red-hot centre of force, at the core of this rock.
Batteríið Architects, a local architectural company, was a collaborator of the project’s design.
Client: Austurnhofn TR – East Harbour Project Ltd.
Area: 28000.0m²
Manufacturers: Zumtobel
Photographs: Courtesy of Henning Larsen Architects
