North and west elevations with main entrance in foreground. Musikkens Hus Aalborg, Aalborg, Denmark. Architect: Coop Himmelb(l)a

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The idea of a first-class classical music venue for Aalborg originated in the 1980s: however, it wasn't until 2014 that this came to fruition in Coop Himmelb(l)au's imposing Musikkens Hus on the shores of Liim fjord. At the heart of the nine-storey 20,000 sq m building is a soaring foyer, with a swooping concrete staircase and panoramic windows giving onto the waterfront. The atrium connects four concert halls, including a 1,300 capacity main hall; educational and administrative facilities; a restaurant and cafe. The architecture of the building encourages exploration: walls that slope, stairs that twist and turn, windows in many shapes and sizes. Arup consultants put great emphasis on acoustics: the main hall is one of the quietest classical music auditoriums in Europe.

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Size: 5017px × 3345px
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Photo credit: © David Borland-VIEW / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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