HOUSE OF MUSIC BY COOP HIMMELB(L)AU

A school embracing a concert hall in Denmark

You might have noticed that one of modern architecture’s main purpose is to establish a connection between people. Recreating a social link has become a major challenge in the conception of new public spaces. But, in the case of Coop Himmelb(l)au‘s House of Music in Aalborg, Denmark, things go even further than that. This modern and complex building has been designed with the ambition of also becoming a center of inspiration for musicians, artists, students and music lovers. The part dedicated to inspiration was all the more important, as this House of Music functions as both a cultural and educational space.

The complex shape of the building creates a real space for interaction and sharing. The educational facilities surround a 1,300 seat symphonic concert hall with a two stories U-shaped building raised above the rear of the building, creating space and a view out to the city. In spite of all that, Coop Himmelb(l)au didn’t neglect the importance of acoustics. The architect worked closely with an acoustic consultant and developed a wonder of a curvaceous auditorium. Wolf D. Prix, the CEO of the Austrian architecture firm, best described this project by explaining the purpose of his creation: “the school embraces the concert hall”.