Operaen; Nytt Operahus i Oslo

The Norwegian Opera & Ballet, Oslo
by SNØHETTA

Renowned architect bureau Snøhetta has designed the building after winning an international contest in 2000. The building area is 38 500 square meters (126,000 square feet) and comprises more than 100 rooms. In the main hall, 1370 audience members will be able to enjoy a performance, and acoustics have been the main focus throughout the building.

The interior design in the opera will be carried out in a minimalist style, and a separate artistic embellishment committee will oversee the decorative aspects of the building. Among the most impressive elements is the chandelier in the main concert hall, which the company Hadeland Glassverk is responsible for. The chandelier will comprise 17.000 glass units and hang approximately 16 metres (52 feet) above the floor. It will also function as an acoustic reflector. The main hall and the rest of the building will contain several other impressive features. Theatre chairs worth a total of NOK 10,4 million ($1,6 million) are on their way from Italy, and workers from the company Naturstein are currently mounting 36 000 marble plates on the building.

More info: www.snohetta.com

Photo credits: Jens Passoth