Inspired by the geological basalt stone formations along the Icelandic coast, the south facade rises up 33 metres. The facade is made up of a breathtaking three-dimensional structure of steel and glass. On Saturday night, the facade lighting was revealed to the thousands of people present.
The remaining two-dimensional facades and roof build on the geometry of the south facade as a cut through the three-dimensional shape. The glass captures the light of the sun and colours of the sky and appears as a giant, illuminating sculpture, reflecting the sky and harbour and the vibrant city life. Made up of more than 12,000 m2 glass, the building changes colours depending on the weather and time of day and year.
Art and architecture are beautifully united in the 28,000 m2 Concert Hall. The arrival area and foyer are situated in the front part of the building, the four music and conference halls in the centre and the backstage area with offices, administration, rehearsal and dressing rooms in the rear end of the building. Artec Acoustic Consultants is behind the acoustic design, which has already received great reviews in connection with the many opening concerts during the summer.
Harpa – Reykjavik Concert Hall and Concert Centre forms part of an extensive development plan for the east harbour in Reykjavik – with the objective of bringing the city and harbour closer together. Thus, the building will become a landmark in the area and at the same time a symbol of the economic recovery of Iceland. Henning Larsen Architects won the assignment in an international competition in 2005.