AL_A unveils winning philharmonic concert hall for belgrade, serbia

a sweeping philharmonic concert hall by al_a

Amanda Levete Architects / AL_A presents its winning competition entry for the new Philharmonic Concert Hall in Belgrade, Serbia. The proposal was selected as the winning entry following a year-long competition process involving some of the world’s leading architecture firms, including Diller Scofidio & Renfro. The 1,600 seat-concert hall will stand as the largest cultural project in the country for decades, and represents the team’s vision of a brighter, more sustainable future for the capital city.

The landmark building will be sited alongside the historic Palace of Serbia in New Belgrade. Together with the concert hall, the project will host rehearsal and creative spaces, introducing a new, internationally recognized center for musical performance and public gathering.

images courtesy of Amanda

the winning design team

The winning entry for the Belgrade Philharmonic Concert Hall is designed by an international team led by Amanda Levete Architects / AL_A (see more here). This team includes landscape designers VDLA, engineers AFA Consult, local architects Zabriskie, with acoustic and theatrical design by Arup.

Prime Minister of Serbia Ana Brnabić, comments: ‘The Belgrade Philharmonic Concert Hall is the largest cultural infrastructure project in Serbia, and the region, and will be one of the largest in Europe itself. I am proud that this decades-long dream, of our professional musicians, young talents, music lovers and the people of Serbia, is finally coming true in such a beautiful shape.’

a vision for the future of belgrade

Prime Minister Ana Brnabić continues: ‘I believe that this Hall will be one of the greatest cultural legacies of this Government. Investing in culture and in education is crucial for setting the pillars of a succesful and strong modern country. This is something we have began with numerous similar cultural projects.’

‘This Concert Hall is most definitely going to become a new landmark of Belgrade and attract visitors and tourists to our country. Furthermore, with its quality programs it will enrich our citizens’ cultural life. I strongly believe that it will become another regional hub for making contacts and knowledge exchange, with the flow of creativity, ideas and experience of both domestic and foreign artists.’

Amanda Levete comments on the spirit of the Belgrade Philharmonic Concert Hall: ‘You couldn’t dream of a better site than this to message Serbia’s vision for the future. The magnificent setting of Ušće Park, on the banks of the River Danube, sends a powerful message about transforming and re-wilding our cities to make them greener, more beautiful spaces.

‘The Concert Hall will be an expression of harmony between nature, architecture and music, at a pivot point in Europe where East meets West. It will be a place where people from all places and cultures, of all ages and abilities, come together to delight in music from every genre.’