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Concert hall, Hamburg

Herzog & de Meuron's vision for a new concert hall in Hamburg takes shape.

HAMBURG (DE) - The construction of a new concert hall on the River Elbe, an integral part of Hamburg's monumental urban redevelopment project HafenCity, reached its latest milestone at the end of May with a roofing ceremony, which was combined with the public presentation of the future concert venue designed by Herzog & de Meuron. From its riverside perch atop an old warehouse, the largely glass Elbe Philharmonic Hall will assert its position in the urban and cultural context of a revitalized Hamburg, though everyone must still wait until 2012 for its completion. (Dutton R. Hauhart)

At a roofing ceremony, which took place on 28 and 29 May 2010, Hamburg presented the 'Elbphilharmonie' (Elbe Philharmonic Hall), its new concert house, to the public. More than 5000 guests will gain an insight into the making of this unique concert house. Designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, the magnificent building is to become Hamburg's newest landmark.

The daring harmony of Kaispeicher A, a historic redbrick monument, and the cool, glass-bodied design will be Hamburg's new architectural gem. Located right on the Elbe River, this 110-metre-high building combines tradition and modernity. The building complex is constructed on approximately 1700 reinforced concrete piles. It comprises three concert halls, one hotel, 45 flats and the Plaza, a public square elevated 37 metres above the river, with an amazing 360-degree panoramic view of the city.

At the core of the Elbphilharmonie lies one of Europe's most challenging building projects: an acoustically superior concert hall that stands 50 metres above the river and provides seating for 2150 people. With its unique location, the Elbphilharmonie Hall can be regarded as an unprecedented work of art. This magnificent building is not just a tourist attraction – it will also be a unique venue for classical, jazz, pop and world music.

Even now, during construction, the Elbphilharmonie is attracting worldwide attention. Under the artistic direction of Christoph Lieben-Seutter, it aims at becoming one of the world's finest music venues. The building is part of one of Europe's largest urban development projects, HafenCity Hamburg, and can be considered an icon of this booming port city. Moreover, it also portrays the public spirit of the Hamburg citizens: from among the €400 million construction costs, more than €77 million alone has been covered by donations and further revenues.

After the roofing ceremony, the work on this ambitious construction project will be further accelerated, so that the building will be completed by the year 2012.