Harpa - Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre, Iceland

Lead Architects: Henning Larsen Architects and Batteriid Architects

Façade design and development: Olafur Eliasson and Studio Olafur Eliasson in

collaboration with Henning Larsen Architects

Project Name: Harpa - Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre

Client: Harpa

Select Categories: Architecture – Cultural Architecture

Photos: Nic Lehoux

Video Link: https://vimeo.com/131408250

Online Magazine:

https://issuu.com/henninglarsenarchitects/docs/harpa_magazine_eng_09032012

Brief Description of project: Harpa emerges on the border between land and sea. The

building stands out as a large, radiant sculpture reflecting both sky and harbor space, as well

as the vibrant city life of Reykjavik. Harpa constitutes a striking addition to the Icelandic

and European cultural scene and has become a landmark in the redevelopment of

Reykjavik’s historic harbor and waterfront area—as well as a symbol of Iceland’s renewed

dynamics.

The 28,000-square-meter building comprises both concert and conference facilities,

including four main halls, exhibition spaces, and several meeting rooms. The halls all have

independent identities, while at the same time forming part of the overall perception of the

building. All halls are equipped with flexible acoustic elements to support a wide range of

events. The main concert hall is capable of accommodating up to 1,800 people.

Seen from the foyer, the halls form a massif that—similar to rock on the coast— forms a stark

contrast to the expressive, open façade. At the core, the largest hall of the building, the main

concert hall, unfolds its interior as a glowing center of force.

The changing daylight penetrating the façade creates a vibrant, adventurous play of light,

shadow, and color in the foyer. Harpa’s multifaceted glass façades are the result of a unique

collaboration between the renowned artist Olafur Eliasson and Henning Larsen Architects.

The design is based on a geometric principle, actualized in two and three dimensions.

Inspired by the crystallized basalt columns commonly found in Iceland, the southern façades

create kaleidoscopic reflections of the city and the magnificent surrounding landscape.

Sustainability has been a guiding parameter in the overall architectonic arrangement of the

museum. Fundamental elements such as the building’s geometry and orientation have been

considered in order to maximize every square meter.

https://vimeo.com/131408250https://issuu.com/henninglarsenarchitects/docs/harpa_magazine_eng_09032012

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Detail bottom Quasi Brick

Facade North

Facade South

Section Main hall

SectionGG_Foyer_East_West

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Plan Level 1

Plan Level 2