matteo cainer architects: busan opera house

paris and london-based firm matteo cainer architects has received an honorable mention for a proposal they submitted to the busan opera house inernational design competition for busan, south korea. located at the north port, the building is meant to serve as a performing art center with theaters optimized for high class operas, concerts and other art related activities which would appeal to people of all ages and social backgrounds while promoting an interaction between music, nature and architecture. 

all images courtesy of matteo cainer architects

the form is based on the camellia flower, the official flower of busan. the dense tectonic petals create a visual connection between the sea and the city. the cantilevering levels give visitors a scenic view of both the waterfront and the city behind. the building is made of glass, revealing the structural components while modulating the penetrating light. contrasting the qualities of the transparent material is a variety of vegetation both around the complex as well as inside the main gallery space both for environmental and humanistic purposes. to integrate the surrounding space, strategically located large digital screens display current events, but can also be used to project live open air concerts, turning the side of the building into a theater.  

main entrance 

grand foyer 

night view of open air concert

rendered diagram of outdoor theater and event plaza 

site plan

floor plan / level 0

section

section

distribution and access connections diagram

concept sketch

concept diagram of the evolution of the building’s form

project info: