All partners involved in the project agreed on 11 January 2017 as the official opening date of Hamburg’s new concert hall, designed by Herzog & de Meuron. Its 4,000 square metres large plaza that will offer unparalleled panoramic views of the Hanseatic city and its port will already be accessible to the general public by November 2016, the Senate informed yesterday, 12 January 2015.
Herzog & de Meuron presented the project at the 2012 Venice Architecture Biennale, to demonstrate the impact of planning difficulties and how cost inflation can affect the architectural industry.
The statements of all authorities placed agree, below.
Exterior Scaffolding Nearly Dismantled
Following the reorganisation in spring 2013, the project advanced well. With the roof rain-proof since August 2012, works in the interior also progress well. In the Great Hall, the white skin and the ceiling reflector have been mounted, and the working platform has been dismantled. For the very first time, the amazing architecture of the concert hall has become fully visible. In addition, works on the building’s old brick facade have nearly been completed, allowing to fully dismantle the exterior scaffolding.
30,000 Visitors At The Construction Site
Hamburg’s first mayor Olaf Scholz: “The progress in construction shows that co-operation significantly improved after our reorganisation. I hereby thank all project partners for their excellent work and look forward to focussing our energies on preparing all for the opening fixed in January.” With 30,000 visitors at the construction site last year, the Elbe Philharmonic Hall still arises great public interest. “By opening the plaza already in November 2016, we will offer locals and visitors alike the great chance to discover Hamburg’s new landmark even prior to its official opening”, the first mayor continued.
Cultural Highlight At A Unique Location
“Next to our ongoing critical monitoring of the construction, we finally can draw up concretely plans for the opening of the Elbe Philharmonic Hall on 11 January 2017. A look into the impressive Great Hall shows that Hamburg can look forward to an architecturally exceptional concert house. It becomes increasingly clear that the Hamburg Elbe Philharmonic will be able to strengthen Hamburg’s role an an important international centre of culture”, state Prof Barbara Kisseler, Hamburg MInister of Culture.
Extraordinary Design of World-Class Concert Hall
The heart of the Elbphilharmonie, designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, is the Grand Hall with a seating capacity for 2,100 guests. Wile its centre will be occupied by the orchestra and the conductor, terraced steep seating rows will allow the audience to enjoy unobstructed views. The hall’s perfect acoustics is achieved by a white skin made up from 10,000 individual plates, and a 50-ton reflector mounted to the ceiling. Two smaller concert halls will complement the building.
Last Cranes To Disappear In Spring
Also from the outside, the Elbe Philharmonics impressive architecture is becoming more visible. Following the dismantling of all exterior scaffolding, general contractor Hochtief announced to also take away the cranes after the end of works on the roof. In a few weeks, however, scaffolding will return for a short period of time to allow the storation of the hatches. The next big steps have been determined as follows in the contract: completion of works on technical installations above the Grand Hall and the Hotels until 30 April 2015, completion of the white skin until 31 January 2016, completion of the entire building by 31 October 2016.
