In response to the competition program calling for a combined cultural institution and hotel, we divided the desired functions into two separate volumes: One smaller building with the theater and museum spaces, and one larger containing the concert hall, library, conference rooms and hotel. Between the two buildings, a small plaza forms an urban space that the various cultural institutions can occupy. We wanted to make the entrance level as flexible as possible to allow separate events to take place simultaneously and bigger conferences to use the entire space.

The materials used throughout the project are mainly bricks for the exterior, both as solid walls and as semi-open screens, and wood and concrete for the interior. The transparent bricks wrapping around the theater form a glowing beacon at night, welcoming visitors to the new cultural landmark.

"Monumentality is the expression of the will to distinguish one self.../.../The eagles above the theatre in Delfi are monumental because they are eagles, not because they are bigger than hens."  
Leonie Geisendorf