in 2002 bruges is cultural city of europe. the city is well known in the whole world for his historical centre. it even received the prestigious recognition ‘world heritage’ of unesco. with ambitious plans bruges starts the new century. it wants to have a place in the cultural world. for this the assignment was given to build a new concert hall. it’s the symbol of the new vision of the city. it will also make an important contribution to culture in belgium.
the building will be in many ways a scoop. the construction of the concert hall for example has the shape of an oyster shell and is constructed with feathers. this new techniques are used to improve the acoustics. low frequency sounds from outside will not be heard.
the concert hall will be very multifunctional. it’s one of the few halls in europe, which can be used for concerts and operas. it’s an excellent platform for music, musicals, opera and dance. but also other rooms can be used on many ways. the rehearsal rooms can be used for receptions, conferences, expositions, …. the large concert hall and the chamber music room are a triumph of creativity, design and functionality.
the architects, paul robbrecht and hilde daem designed a building that strikes a harmonious balance with bruges historic monuments. the building is made of terracotta and is 120 metres long by 50 wide. the main attraction is the 28-meter-high, so-called ‘lantern tower’. in the top, there will be a skybar, which affords a splendid view of the city. the architects tried to combine social and cultural functions on the place in front of the building. it’s a place with galleries, shops and public areas of the complex.
the concert hall is near the historic centre and from the station. there is direct access from the underground car park to the concert hall and a bus-stop right in front of the door. |
