Two Danish Studios Head-to-Head for the Design of the National Concert Hall Dublin
3XN is one of two finalists in the prestigious competition to design Dublin’s new National Concert Hall. The competition was initiated in 2008 and the shortlist of renowned architects was soon narrowed down to two competing teams lead by Danish Architects; 3XN and Henning Larsen Architects. It is quite unique that two Danish studios come head to head in the final round of an international competition of this scope. Both teams have delivered spectacular designs for a world class concert hall to meet the client’s high ambitions for the project. Unfortunately the competition has now been cancelled due to lack of financing as a result of Ireland’s fragile economic situation and the client will not appoint a final winner.
3XNs proposal for the Dublin National Concert Hall is a sculptural showcase which creates a magnificent new home for music, while also providing a framework for the historical context upon which the new concert hall sits. The new building provides a zone where the urban and park settings come together expressing their own symphony in addition to the music coming from within.
Dublin National Concert Hall is composed of three sculptural volumes,
each of which contains its own unique Concert Hall. The three Halls are
linked at the Grand Entrance through the historic Butler building and
via a plinth; with the organic foyer promoting flow and social
interaction between the three Halls. As amongst buildings in a city,
the foyer flows between the Halls like small lively streets that
contract and expand to meet the demands of the new structure. From the
grand main entrance at Earlsfort Terrace through the floating foyers and
down into the historic Iveagh Gardens, the city’s urban environment
quite distinctly meets and transitions into the park. From the garden
side, a transparent façade cascades down from the three Concert Hall
volumes drawing the gardens forth into the foyer and extending into a
new public plaza towards Hatch Street.
Acoustically, Dublin
Concert Hall was planned to be amongst the top Concert Halls in the
world. Working with the leaders in acoustics (Larry Kierkegaard from
Chicago), stage design (Charcoal Blue from London) and lighting (Steven
Scott from Denmark), 3XN has aimed to surpass the expectations. The
programming is such that the three Halls complement each other in size,
function and acoustic objectives. Hall 1 is designed to be reminiscent
of the fine lines and interior of a fine classical wooden instrument;
providing a warm intimacy between musicians and patrons. Hall 2 should
be restored to its original glory with its classic layout and respect
for tradition. Hall 3 is designed to be the most flexible and
multi-functional of the three Halls.
