Harpa, officially referred to as the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, is a very modern and futuristic concert hall and conference center located in Reykjavík, the capital city of Iceland. Situated on the border between land and sea, the Harpa center stands out as a large, radiant sculpture reflecting both sky and harbor space as well as the vibrant life of the city.
Since Harpa is situated in a solitary spot with a clear view of the enormous sea and the mountains surrounding Reykjavik, the modern architecture expressed through the spectacular façades has become a symbol of the small capital. Harpa was designed in close collaboration between Henning Larsen Architects, the Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson, and the engineering companies Rambøll and ArtEngineering GmbH from Germany, who made sure that the outcome of this collaboration would be something spectacular that would be praised worldwide.
The structure consists of a steel framework clad with geometric-shaped glass panels of different colors on all sides. The center of Harpa features an arrival and foyer area in the front of the building, and there are four halls in the middle, with a backstage area complemented with offices, administration, rehearsal hall, and changing room in the back of the building.
The three large halls are placed next to each other with public access on the south side and backstage access from the north. With its four floors, the building is also used as a multifunctional place, because the last floor acts as a multifunctional hall with room for more intimate shows and banquets.
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Harpa started being constructed in 2007; however, due to the financial crisis that happened in 2008, which sadly hit Iceland quite harshly, it has put the completion of the building in jeopardy since the financial means were either directed elsewhere or the initial funding fully collapsed.
Nevertheless, the Icelandic government decided to step in and fully fund the completion of the then half-built concert hall, and with the then ongoing financial crisis, it was the only construction project in existence in Iceland. Dedicating public means to finish the complex was a correct way of finishing something that would prove, in the end, to be one of the best investments by the country.
As Harpa was completed in 2011, there was an opening concert that was held on 4 May 2011. Ever since then, there have been numerous events that have been held here, and the structure has become one of the most photographed objects in Iceland’s capital. Overall, the permanent residents in the hall today are the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, the Icelandic Opera, the Reykjavik Big Band, and Maximus Musicus, and not only are they practicing in the building, but also provide cultural experience for the Icelanders and all visitors who would like to see a live concert.
