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Den Norske Opera Oslo, Norway |
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In an age dominated by the isolating influence of media, it is all the more important to make grand places for real face to face human interaction. A central focus of this proposal is the establishment an invitation to a social experience. A great curved glass wall, forms this invitation and a series of interconnecting Piranesian foyer spaces, forms the place to see and be seen. This transparent wall faces west and north towards the city, across an inviting plaza. The southern sun-filled exposure of the site, facing out to the water has been reserved for the makers of opera, dance, music, and theater. These daily users of the building can best enjoy the amenities of sun and view.
The curved glass wall, which encloses the foyers, is a permeable double-layer. The outer layer is a rain screen open at the edges of each overlapping piece of glass. The inner layer contains a set of electronically activated ventilating units. The wall can breathe in good weather drawing air in by natural convection and venting it at the skylight level. The auditoria are serious viewing environments and also places for an evening of enjoyment. Full attention has been given to the practical needs of sightlines, acoustics, ingress, egress, and focus. |
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