Steven Holl Architects create venue inspired by ‘perfect acoustic instrument’
The city of Ostrava has signed a 2.7bn CZK contract with IMOS Brno a.s. and IPS Třinec a.s for the construction of a new 139,932 sq ft concert hall and the renovation of an existing 215,280 sq ft cultural centre, with both elements of the scheme designed by Tenderstream member Steven Holl Architects. The new 1,300-seat venue will accommodate Ostrava’s Janacek Philharmonic Orchestra, the leading Czech orchestra for commissioning contemporary music.
In 2019, Steven Holl Architects were awarded first place in a design competition for the project, with a concept inspired by the image of a ‘perfect acoustic instrument in its case’. A smooth steel exterior ‘case’ houses the ‘instrument’ of the concert hall, with Czech composer Leos Janacek’s theories of time guiding the interior geometry. A new entrance hovers over the esplanade and transports the public above the historic House of Culture building into the hall’s sky-lit lobby, with the dramatic contrast between old and new creating a distinctive landmark for Ostrava.
Clear glass for the entranceway and lightweight zinc cladding for the building volume provide a further contrast with the House of Culture, which is characterised by ceramic tile and a travertine base. Pre-patina, blue-grey zinc is proposed for its environmental friendliness as a 100% recyclable material, as well as its flexibility for curved geometry. The interior’s maple wood is reminiscent of a violin, and provides ideal acoustics.
Visitors are embraced within a light-filled environment that changes organically during the day and seasons, with glass walls that infuse the building with natural light and lessen reliance on non-renewable energy. Skylights increase ambiance during the day and illuminate at night, when the building glows from within and casts light to the esplanade and the park beyond.
Construction is expected to be completed on the hall in 2027.
Lucy Nordberg
Tenderstream Head of Research
This tender was first published by Tenderstream on 24.08.2018 here
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