Henning Larsen Architects and Tomoon Architects recently won the third prize in the international competition for designing the new opera in Busan, South Korea. Connecting the citizens of Busan to the waterfront, their design takes it’s inspiration from the particular location in Busan. The clear shape of the grand roof creates a magnificent icon in the vertical context of high-rises and mountains. At the same time it creates a subtle unity with the ocean and the horizon. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The circle of the roof becomes a strong symbol encompassing a dynamic range of unique activities. The different functions of the cultural center are conceived as houses and city blocks under the grand roof. The architecture envisions an “art or opera village” of fragile wooden chests that are sheltered from rain and sun. The auditorium is the symbolic heart of the house conceived as a giant pearl set between the wooden boxes. The inside of the auditorium follows the classic horseshoe form creating a festive social space where everybody sees everybody and still has excellent acoustics and views to the stage.
