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How algorithms designed the sound of the new Hamburg concert hall

2017-08-30T18:30:00-04:00

Detached from the rest of the building for soundproofing reasons, the 10,000 panels that line the central auditorium are the result of parametric design, a process of creating multiple individual designs using algorithms. A million individual cells ranging from four to 16cm long are cut out from the panels [...] The ivory coloured gypsum fiber acoustic panels contain a seashell motif and were designed by Swiss architect Herzog & De Meuron with help from German studio One to One.

Interior view of the central concert hall. Photo: Iwan Baan.

"It would be insane to do this by hand," GCR quotes Benjamin Koren, founder of One to One, the studio that created the design algorithm for the concert hall's acoustic panels. "That’s the power of parametric design. I hit play, and it creates a million cells, all different and all based on these parameters. I have 100% control over setting up the algorithm, and then I have no more control.”

Photo: Johannes Arlt

Herzog & de Meuron's Elbphilharmonie will open on November 5

2016-11-03T13:24:00-04:00

Herzog & de Meuron's Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg will finally welcome its first guests on November 5, following nearly a decade tainted with cost overruns and planning delays. Located in the rapidly developing HafenCity district, the crown-shaped concert hall proudly announced its completion this past Monday to the city in giant gleaming letters that spelled out “FERTIG”, or “Completed” in German.

Starting Saturday, the City of Hamburg will hand over day-to-day management to HamburgMusik. The complex includes three concert halls (the largest one seating 2,100 and designed by acoustician Yasuhisa Toyota), a music education area, and a “Plaza” where guests can take in panoramic views of the surrounding harbor. The restaurants, cafes and bars, and the hotel will also open. However, it seems the grand opening festivities will begin when the Elbphilharmonie hosts its first concert on January 11.

You can also check out a cross-section of the project in the gallery below.

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Hamburg Concert Hall: Blame game begins in €800-million hall saga

2014-01-08T14:03:00-05:00

German taxpayers are expected to spend almost €800 million on the project, which has been criticized by politicians and the media as a waste of public funds. The costs have included €300 on a toilet brush. [...] Meanwhile, architects Herzog & de Meuron were blamed for the chaos at the Hamburg building site, after failing to stick to the planning schedule.

Previously:

Hamburg sues over Herzog & de Meuron's pricey, late concert hall

2012-02-22T12:49:00-05:00

The city was initially prepared to contribute €77 million to the project – but this figure has since gone up by nearly five times to more than €323 million – more than half the expected €600 million total cost. And the original completion date of 2010 has been pushed back to 2014. The building’s designers had underestimated certain costs – such as an acoustic panelling for the main concert hall which cost five times as much as expected, adding more than €10 million to the bill.

Hamburg Philharmonic is on the rise

2011-05-25T12:40:00-04:00

Hamburg is building a cultural landmark: The Elbphilharmonie. Designed by the architects Herzog & de Meuron, a synthesis of the arts comprising architecture, music and a unique location by the port is arising on the banks of the River Elbe. In addition to three concert halls, a hotel and 45 apartments, the complex will boast a freely accessible venue at a height of 37 meters, affording a 360° panoramic view of the city – The Plaza.

Covering some 4,000 square meters, The Plaza is almost as big as the Town Hall market square and is an ideal place for Hamburg’s citizens, tourists, concert-goers and hotel guests alike to stroll and enjoy life. The Large Concert Hall, with seating for 2,150, will form the heart of the Elbphilharmonie. A special material has been developed to deliver perfect acoustics by reflecting the sound in all directions, thereby ensuring complete listening pleasure throughout the auditorium: The White Skin.