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    • 27 June 2014

      A Musical Archive in the Forest

      Henning Larsen have received an Honorary Mention for their design proposal for the Arvo Pärt Centre in Laulasmaa, Estonia. The two-stage design contest was organised to find the best architectural solution for bringing together the entire creative heritage from the composer Arvo Pärt.

    • The design proposal for the Arvo Pärt Centre was rooted in the contrast between the music of the Estonian composer Arvo Pärt and the dense pine forest, that is to be the back drop for the Centre. The music of Arvo Pärt is widely interpreted as intertwining layers of structure and playfulness. The clear structural rhythm gives a calm comfort while the playful layers of violins or choir’s carries the listeners on imaginative journeys.

      The rectangular building volumes rise from the forest bed while a playful journey of spaces between the volumes unfolds, as the users move through the building. The boxes contain the primary functions with a series of foyers, atriums, pockets and circulation spaces tying the boxes and main functions together.

      In all there were 71 applications from around the world for the competition and 20 was shortlisted. Both Michael Pärt, the chairman of the contest’s committee, and Peeter Pere, Chairman of the UEA(Union of Estonian Architects), admit that the high level of competence of participants made the selection process difficult.