Courtesy of 3XN

Two Danish Studios have been selected to compete in the prestigious competition to design Dublin’s new National Concert Hall. The two finalists were narrowed down from a shortlist of renowned architects from 2008. The two studios, 3XN and Henning Larsen Architects, delivered spectacular designs, which, unfortunately, will not be realized due to the cancellation of competition under Ireland’s fragile economic situation.

Read on for more information after the break

3XN’s proposal for the Dublin National Concert Hall is a sculptural showcase which creates a new home for music, while also providing a framework for the historical context upon which the new concert hall is situated. The new building provides a landscape for the urban and natural environment to harmonize as part of the architecture of the Concert Hall.

The Dublin National Concert Hall is composed of three sculptural volumes, each of which contains its own unique Concert Hall. The three halls are connected 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. The foyer operates as a lively street, enhancing the interaction between the visitors to the three different concert halls. From the grand main entrance at Earlsfort Terrace through the floating foyers and down into the historic Iveagh Gardens, the city’s urban environment 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.

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.

For further information on 3XN’s competition entry, contact PR Manager Lise Roland Johansen: +45 32 64 23 10 / lrj@3xn.dk

Finalists: 3XN and Henning Larsen Architects
Location: Earlsfort Terrace , Dublin, Ireland
Client: National Development Finance Agency (NDFA)
Size: 28,232 m2
3XN Team: Kim Herforth Nielsen, Jan Ammundsen, Bo Boje Larsen, Andreas Herborg Nielsen, Alessandro Ronfini, Anja Pedersen, Audun Opdal, Anne Strandgaard Hansen, Berglind Halla Elfudottir, Bodil Nordstrøm, Christian Wamberg Rasmussen, Eva Hviid-Nielsen, Guillermo Lumbreras Ruiz, Helle Hjelmborg, Helle Westergaard, Helgi Indridason, Jeanette Due Andersen, Julie Keinicke Jensen, Johan Straarup, Kasper Hertz, Marie Hesseldahl Larsen, Mihewi Fürstenwald, Majbritt Lerche Madsen, Mitzi Knudsen, Rasmus Hjortshøj, Ralf Wagner, Rasmus Kristian Holm, Stine de Bang, Sofia Steffenoni, Stig Vesterager Gothelf, Thomas Bang Jespersen, Trine Lykke, Christensen, Torben Østergaard
Engineers: DBFL, Varming, MSA,  G4S
Contractor: PJ Hegarty & Sons
Consultants: International Public Partnership, Amber Infrastructure , Kirkegaard Associates (acousticians), Charcoalblue (Theatre Consultant), Nolan Ryan Tweeds (quantity surveyor)