Harpa Concert & Conference Centre | Henning Larsen architects

In Reykjavik, Iceland, Harpa Concert & Conference Centre by Henning Larsen architects is nearly completed, the centre gathers inspiration from the northern lights and the dramatic Icelandic scenery.

Harpa Concert & Conference Centre, render courtesy Henning Larsen architects

Situated on the boundary between land and sea, the centre stands out like a large, radiant sculpture reflecting both sky and harbour space as well as the vibrant life of the city. The spectacular facades have been designed in close collaboration between Henning Larsen Architects, the Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson and the engineering companies Rambøll and ArtEngineering GmbH from Germany.

Harpa Concert & Conference Centre, image courtesy Henning Larsen architects | Photo by Ósbjørn Jacobsen

The Concert and Congress Centre of 29,000 m2 is situated in a solitary spot with a clear view of the enormous sea and the mountains surrounding Reykjavik. The Centre features an arrival- and foyer area in the front of the building, four halls in the middle and a backstage area with offices, administration, rehearsal hall and changing room in the back of the building. The three large halls are placed next to each other with public access on the south side and backstage access from the north. The fourth floor is a multifunctional hall with room for more intimate shows and banquets.

Harpa Concert & Conference Centre, image courtesy Henning Larsen architects | Photo by Ósbjørn Jacobsen

Harpa Concert & Conference Centre, render courtesy Henning Larsen architects

Seen from the foyer, the halls form a mountain-like massif that similar to basalt rock on the coast forms a stark contrast to the expressive and open facade. At the core of the rock, the largest hall of the Centre, the Concert Hall, reveals its interior as a red-hot center of force.

The project is designed in collaboration with the local architectural company, Batteriid Arkitekter.

Harpa Concert & Conference Centre - Level 1 floor plan, drawing courtesy Henning Larsen architects

Harpa Concert & Conference Centre - Longitudal section E-E, drawing courtesy Henning Larsen architects

Harpa Concert & Conference Centre - West Elevation, drawing courtesy Henning Larsen architects

+ Project credits / data

Project: Harpa Concert & Conference Centre
Location: Reykjavik, Iceland
Gross floor area: 29,000 m2
Year of construction: 2007 – 2011
Type of assignment: First prize in international PPP-competition, 2005
Typology: Culture | Concert hall

Client: Austurnhofn TR – East Harbour Project Ltd.
Architects: Henning Larsen Architects | http://www.henninglarsen.com/ & Batteriid Architects
Landscape architects: Landslag efh
Artist: Olafur Eliasson
Operator and investor: Harpa / Portus Group
Engineers: ArtEngineering GmbH, Mannvit, Hnit Verkis and Rambøll
Acoustics: Artec
Contractor: IAV
Photo: Ósbjørn Jacobsen, Henning Larsen architects

+ All images and drawings courtesy Henning Larsen Architects | Photo by Ósbjørn Jacobsen