Introduction
APLD Award of Excellence: Buildings that ‘breathe,’ capture, play with light Landmarks that are akin to celebrating the aesthetic and human creativity in synchronisation with unpolished beauty of nature around us. It is Harpa, the glass symphony in harmonic ministrations with sun rays, the voice of Reykjavik.
Harpa’s stand-out silhouette and light-catching façade have made it a centerpiece of the Reykjavik waterfront landscape. Its contemporary design — a stark contrast to traditional Icelandic houses — has made it the toast of the planet. However, it is not just the beauty of Harpa that draws you into its circle; it is also a dynamic cultural context where music, art and society form one singular unity.
In this edition of our ongoing exploration, we will dive right to the heart of Harpa and try to assess this quarter’s bone based on what inspired its creation, more intricate details about the actual structure in terms of design and architectural features, and what new takes as a visitor you might experience. Explore with us this symphony in glass as we reveal the resonating synesthesia of light, music, and minimal modern building that Harpa is built upon — a building beauty.
The Inspiration Behind Harpa’s Design
The architectural story of Harpa began with a completion proposal to construct world-class cultural premises that would present Iceland´s artistic scene and revitalize the Reykjavik harbor area. The Vision Tree was an ambitious effort that assembled a panel of trained architects and artists who worked together to make this vision a reality.
Architects and Collaborators
Designed by Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects in collaboration with Icelandic group Batteríið Architects The complex south facade of the building is designed by Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson and adds to the project’s creative cachet.
The marriage of architectural knowledge and creative vision was had, resulting in a habitat that is as pragmatic as it is beautiful. The architects and artist had an amazingly close and intimate working relationship that demands complete unity in terms of design – from the macro level all the way up to the micro aesthetic detail.
Icelandic Landscape as Muse
Read Even More The design of Harpa is inspired by the Icelandic landscape, a land of mythic geologies and stark contrasts. The artists and architects were inspired by the geological composition of the region, are generated from the circulation of light by way of natural sources to/through this giant transparent space (picture gallery) and from swirling patterns in the sky above as aurora borealis.
Inspiration was also drawn from the architects’ love of Iceland’s nature, as reflected in the geometric patterns and crystalline structure of basalt columns, a staple geological element found throughout the country. Slow cooling of lava flows formed these rows of columns and when the visitor enters Harpa, this rhythm and orderness found everywhere in nature side is reflected in its design.
With its machine-finished, multi-faceted glass panels that seem to shimmer and flash like the ethereal light displays of the Northern Lights, a capture-react process allows for capturing nuances of that special quality associated with the aurora borealis. The dance of the light and color accord creates a living, breathing visual field to parallel the transient nature of the northern lights.
Concept of Light and Geometry
Harpa´s architectural language is defined by light and geometry. The result is a space that is at once visually stunning and emotionally resonant where the design of the building reflects this interplay of elements.
The building’s form and materials are carefully designed by architects so that the natural light can cause a special effect, the same happens with the resources chosen by artists to get it. The glass facade serves as a canvas, capturing & filtering sunlight during all hours of the day which results in an ever-changing palette and pattern of coloration and reflection. By night, the facade awash in LED lights makes it a glowing beacon on the Reykjavik waterfront.
Geometric patterns on the facade and interior contribute orderCopyright Willem Meijer Photography. Taking inspiration from patterns found in nature, it translates these linear, swirling designs into a balanced visual language suggestive of the role of art and culture within the building.
Unveiling the Architectural Features
The Harpa — a bit of architectural wizardry that does not stop with its shimmering exterior. If anything, some of the interior spaces in the building are even more striking with a near total balance between acoustics, aesthetics, and function. We will see some of the main architectural features that make Harpa truly outstanding.
The Iconic Glass Facade
The south facade of Harpa’s architecture, signed by Olafur Eliasson, is for sure the polychrome surface that can be easily associated with Iceland. That can be seen in a cool video showing the car painted Alpine A110 Legende GT through several shades as it moves, demonstrating why paint is more than skin deep.
Quasi-Brick Panels: 1,026 custom quasi-brick shaped glass panels make up the facade, which vary in both size and transparency based on their location. Taking inspiration from these basalt columns, the panels play with light and shadow over the course of the day, turning the façade into a dynamic canvas.
The glass panels are multidimensional and produce a kaleidoscopic effect: they bounce light to and fro, in all directions, cascading with reflections and refractions. The façade appears to rise and fall as you walk around the building, altering the visual perceptions.
Night Lights: When evening falls, all this geomerty and crystalosity is clearly visible due to the LED lights surrounding the facade. At night the building emits a warm light like a shining lantern as if attracting visitors from Reykjavik waterfront.
Harmony in the Concert Halls: Acoustic and Style
Each of Harpa’s 4 concert halls is exceptional in acoustics and appearance and have their own characteristica and atmosphere.
Eldborg: The spire of the House, Eldborg (The Fire), is a concert hall seating 1,800. Inspired by volcanic landscapes and in a vibrant red and black color scheme, it makes the space feel warm and intimate. Carefully created acoustical tuning promises to make the concert hall perfect for orchestral and choral performances, giving both performers and listeners alike an extraordinary experience.
Silfurberg (Silver) – Offers beautiful acoustics perfectly matched to chamber music, recitals or meetings for up to 700 guests. This has given it a stylish and sophisticated appearance with silver and grey colors. The sound in the hall is famous for clarity and intimacy, picking up every note and nuance of a performance.
Norðurljós (Northern Lights): The largest and most versatile hall that can be customized for any event — from small banquets up to 1000 delegates, exhibitions or receptions. Its innovative design, state-of-the-art technology and harbour views has made it the go‐to destination for both corporate and cultural events.
Kaldalón ( Cold Lagoon ) Below Eldborg, there is a rehearsal hall which offers musicians the chance to practice and warm up before going on stage. The acoustics are dialed in perfectly to provide the best sound experience as you would expect a musician to work on his craft within this type of environment.
Welcoming Public Spaces
Unencumbered access is encouraged at Harpa, as the public are enticed to explore, lounge about or socialize at more places than just a performance venue.
Large Hall: Used as a reception hall for visitors, the large hall has with high ceilings and lots of daylight. It is a nice place to admire architectural details, have a cup of coffee or just chill.
Dining from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants are all provided within Harpa. Whether you’re stopping for a quick bite or enjoying a relaxed meal, this place has everything in store to make your hunger pangs go away all the while getting mesmerized by the harbor views.
Shops: Visit the exclusive shops at Harpa, selling Icelandic souvenirs and design items, books. These shops offer an opportunity to bring back a little of the artisticness of Harpa, as well as provide an avenue for local artisans and designers.
Collection of these communal spaces generates a friendly and open ambience that encourages passerbys to stay, explore the building and participate in its cultural program.
Beyond the Structure: The Harpa Experience
One dimension of Harpa’s attraction is its architectural brilliance. Going beyond the physical structure, the building provides a total auditory experience — music to touch every emotion, an entire culture demystified and view of sights that can not be matched anywhere in the world. Here, we take you through the different ways in which you can bask in the Harpa experience.
Cultural events and performance
Harpa, the world-class concert hall & conference center, is a vibrant cultural venue that hosts an extensive range of events and performances throughout each year.
Renowned Ensembles: Harpa houses Iceland’s Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera, which can boast of exceptional talent and thrilling performances. Listening to a concert by these leading ensembles in the musically brilliant Halls of Harpa is an experience that will leave you with lasting memories way after the last note has been sound.
Varied Programme: Lifeblood of Reykjavik’s culture scene, Harpa offers countless events on its calendar to suit every taste and culture. With international music festivals and conferences, art exhibitions, theatrical productions and even fashion shows occurring there is never a dull moment.
Center Of Festivals: The concert hall plays host to many important festivals like Iceland Airwaves music festival and Reykjavik International Film Festival. The performances draw artists and audiences from around the world, giving the theater a lively and international feel.
Architectural Tours
Guided tours are popular for those who want to learn more about what makes Harpa such an architectural wonder.
Backstage Access: Gain a unique understanding of the process behind creating this extraordinary building, and an insider’s view to the unseen in Harpa with details on design processes, construction stories and special features that make it so exceptional.
Insider knowledge from the experts: Passionate guides offer details of the building’s historic, architectural, and cultural value that make you saveryour trip to one of New York City’s most famous landmarks.
Breathtaking Views
Its also in a great location down by the waterfront, with panoramic views over Reykjavik and beyond.
Viewing Platform: Harpa doesn’t have a viewing platform like Hallgrímskirkja, but it has many windows and balconies offering beautiful views. Sit back a look at the harbor, mountains and that vast Atlantic Ocean.
Harpa Cafes & Restaurants with Views: Many of Harpa´s cafes and restaurants have floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing you to enjoy tasty treats alongside exceptional panoramas.
Dining and Leisure
Although it is a cultural hotspot, Harpa also provides opportunities to sit back and enjoy the culinary culture.
A Rich Culinary Experience: Visitors enjoy a variety of cafes and restaurants in the concert hall, ranging from casual bites to coffee shops or full-fledged dining experiences. Whether you need a tasty pit stop before the show, or a sit-down meal with friends, there’s something to tickle your taste buds here.
Take it Easy and Get Lost in the Atmosphere: Even if you are not heading to an event, then just enjoy your time at Harpa public spaces. Take a book, a cup of coffee, or just to look at the architecture people.
The thing is that exploring all parts of Harpa will make an unforgettable and complete experience. This is where you can submerge yourself in the dynamic uniqueness of Reykjavik’s cultural landscape, admire its architectural masterpieces and delve into the creative heart of Iceland.
Harpa’s Impact on Reykjavik
An architectural masterpiece, one of the reasons Harpa is so appealing. As far as the structure itself there’s no denying that — it will provide a full audio experience beyond Carly Rae music for every emotion, disemystify an entire culture, and offer a view from outside only matched at any place on Earth. In this post, we provide an insight into the various possibilities to enjoy the Harpa experience!
Culture, events, performance
A colorful cultural festival scene taking place year-round in Iceland’s world-class concert hall & conference center Harpa.
Famous Ensembles: The Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera performed in Harpa where one could listen to great voices. Hearing a performance by one of these world-renowned ensembles in the acoustically brilliant Halls of Harpa is nothing short of memory as well as something that creates memories that will last far beyond the very last note!
Diverse Programming: Image source Long considered the heart of Reykjavik’s cultural life, Bienaritic Harpa boasts a busy calendar while experiencing the events to suit very taste and culture sector. Hosting a variety of international music festivals and conference, art exhibitions, theater productions and even an annual fashion show there is always something going on.
Hub Of Festivals: The concert hall that hosts major festivals such as Iceland Airwaves music festival and Reykjavik International Film Festival. A wide range of the performances will attract world-class artists and audiences from overses, adding an air of liveliness and being able to make the large proportion to get international.
Architectural Tours
Many opt for guided tours to discover what makes Harpa an architectural marvel.
Get a behind the scenes look: Discover all that goes into creating this magnificent structure and hear exclusive knowledge of the unseen sides to Harpa with insights from design processes to construction stories to what makes it special
Expert background: Knowledgeable guides give you the details on why this may be one of the most special landmarks in New York City.
Breathtaking Views
It is also beautifully located at the water´s edge and has panoramic views over Reykjavik.
Harpa: We stayed at the nearby Skuggi Hotel which had a great view of the Harpa from our room. Harpa also has a nice view of the city.Iceland Souvenir Ideas Relax and enjoy the views over the harbor, towards those mountains and that magnificent Atlantic Ocean.
Harpa Restaurants and Cafes with the Views: Some of Harpa´s restaurants and cafes have full-height windows, so you can enjoy delicious bites whilst feasting your eyes on spectacular views.
Dining and Leisure
Harpa is not only a cultural hotspot but also provides a perfect environment to sit back and relish the culinary culture.
Food & Drink Temple: The concert hall has a range of Cafe’s, and Restaurants where guests can either get a quick bite or Hangout for coffee or go for sit down full meal. From a delightful pit stop before the gig, to a sit down meal with friends – we’ve got you covered.
Chill Out and Feel the Atmosphere: If you are not going to any event then just hang out in Harpa public spaces. Bring along a book, perhaps some coffee or even just to people watch the architecture.
Thing is, it will amount to an unforgettable field visit if every part of Harpa is toured. The place where you can really immerse yourself in the vibrant diversity of Reykjavik´s cultural landscape, gazing at architectural wonders and diving into Iceland´s creative core.
Conclusion
The architecture of Harpa is a powerful symbol of that transformative moment. It is a facility that seduces for its architectural seduction, yes, but it also brings more breadth to the operating field and creates a gathering place. With a combination of light, music and modern design, Harpa has seamlessly integrated into the cityscape as an iconic symbol of Reykjavik’s treasured spirit and harmonious relationship with nature.
Whether you are heading to performances or events, hanging out in public spaces or just looking at its glittering facade, there is nothing like a visit to Harpa. It’s a testament to what the human mind is capable of and how far we can go due to architecture and design.
Call to Action:
Tell Your Story: If you have been to Harpa, please feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section. Share yours in the comments. Which two violins did you love best and which realities of Bundy’s trial call out to your proportion-loving architecture brain?
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Come discover the symphony that is Harpa and allow us to uplift you on notes of glimmering glass, light and melody. Make this architectural phenomenon the center of your trip to Reykjavik that you won’t forget in years!
