The Travel&Leisure Design Awards announced
Harpa voted "Best Performance Space"
Harpa Reykjavík Concert Hall & Conference Centre has been selected as "Best Performance Space" by The Travel & Leisure Design Awards 2012. The statement by the jury says that " the standout feature is the southern façade, designed collaboratively by the architects, engineers, and Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson. Composed of 12-sided glass-and-steel “quasi-bricks”—developed in Eliasson's studio—the structure, illuminated at night, acts like a massive kaleidoscope mixing light from many sources and reflections of the city to spectacular effect."
Designed by Henning Larsen Architects with acoustics by Artec Consultants Inc and a façade by Olafur Eliasson in collaboration with the architects, Harpa is to become home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera, and thus a major addition to the Icelandic and European cultural scene. It will also serve as a tourism and business hub, providing flexible facilities for programs and international events. The façade was designed by Olafur Eliasson in collaboration with Henning Larsen Architects. With acoustics conceived by Artec Consultants Inc, one of the most reputable experts in the field, and equipped with the most technologically advanced sound, staging and presentation systems also designed by Artec, the 28,000 square-meter (301,000 square-feet) complex will be a striking landmark in the redevelopment of the historic harbour and waterfront area, and a symbol of the country’s renewed dynamism. Henning Larsen Architects also consulted with Batteríið Architects to conceive the building. The main contractor is ÍAV.
