Griegkvartalet

The new concert hall is carefully designed with a minimized size and footprint to preserve the large urban space while complementing Grieghallen’s iconic design. The two building forms will be built to enhance one another, with the soft curves of the music theatre introducing new movement and interaction in the space, the shape of the building invites the city in. The hall’s design will accommodate 1,015 spectators with an additional 140 seats extending over the orchestra pit.

“Placing a new music theater next to the Grieghallen is no easy task. We must respect and safeguard the building’s history and identity. It’s about building on history without making a copy of the past. We do this with a design that does not compete but adds itself as an architectural counterpoint to the first violin, Grieghallen” says Hilde Nordskogen, Country Market Director, Norway.

New exhibition areas spanning 3,570m2 will offer a dynamic canvas for cultural exploration and engagement. Offering dual access points – through the current entrance a Grieghallen’s first floor and a new entryway from Edward Grieg’s Square – the foyer connects the space to the city. Adjacent to the common areas will be a versatile rehearsal room, designed not only for rehearsals but also for multifaceted utilization – transforming into a venue for performances, conferences, and events. Featuring dimensions mirroring those of the main stage, and furnished with a telescopic amphitheater, the room will accommodate and additional 140 seats.

With its close connection to the mountains and water, Edward Grieg’s Square will include a water management strategy to support the local ecosystems and everyday visitors. Our plan employs various climate adaptation solutions to accommodate Bergen’s heavy yearly rainfall. Permeable surfaces will replace existing pavement where possible for stormwater to easily flow through, while the site’s topography leads water to infiltration areas, such as submerged plant beds and a sunken gutter along the road. Blue, green, and blue-green roofs will cover the new buildings further increasing the share of blue-green infrastructure to 50% of the area.

Wind levels pose an additional issue for the square as presently, strong winds and a bottleneck effect between buildings contribute to high wind speeds, creating discomfort in the outdoor space. Incorporating wind and solar conditions into the design process, what has previously existed as a hallway for pedestrian traffic will become a varied square with several zones for both natural and cultural growth.

Strategically designed curves in the building redirect wind patterns, reducing wind speeds across the square while maintaining solar impact and creating comfortable pockets shielded by carefully placed vegetation. Key areas such as the new and the existing entrances, as well as living spaces benefit from these interventions, fostering an inviting environment for recreation and gatherings.