PRISTINA – KOSOVO OPERA HOUSE WITH WAVY ROOF
A public project that will not go unnoticed in the city of Pristina, in the Republic of Kosovo, is the new home of the Philharmonic, Ballet and Opera, designed by Big – Bjarke Ingels Group in collaboration with Alb-Architect. Located next to the Palace of Youth and Sports – the result of an architectural competition won in 1974 by the Yugoslavian architect Živorad Janković – the country’s first Opera House will be located in an emerging cultural district of the capital, which also includes the Fadil Vokrri Stadium and the Ministry of Public Services.
The real hallmark of the project is its wavy roof, which recalls the fluid forms of the performers’ costumes, but is above all a tribute to the country’s folk tradition, recalling the Xhubleta, a bell-shaped skirt worn by women in Kosovo. Covered entirely with photovoltaic panels, this roof dictates the rules of access and use of the building, signaling the entrances and main spaces. At the central hall, which serves all four rooms, it opens up, giving way to a large central skylight, so as to let natural light in.
The building consists of a 1200-seat concert hall, a 1000-seat theater hall, a 300-seat concert hall and an additional theater hall as well as other smaller collective spaces.
The interiors are strongly characterized by the exposed wooden structure, in contrast with the continuous windows in the more public spaces and with the dark velvet upholstery and acoustic curtains in the theater spaces.
The new Theater is also an opportunity to redevelop the external public space: pedestrian access is planned both at street level and at the elevated level in continuity with the access to the nearby Palazzo della Gioventù e dello Sport. The large external staircase of the theater will integrate with the existing podium that will be expanded, putting the two buildings in dialogue but above all creating a significant public square. In addition, the planting of the surrounding areas is already planned to promote biodiversity and offer shelter from the sun.
Source: Domusweb.it
Ph credits: bloomimages; bucharest.studio; Imigo
