matteo cainer architects: busan opera house
paris and london-based firm matteo cainer architects has received an honorable mention for a proposal they submitted to the busan opera house inernational design competition for busan, south korea. located at the north port, the building is meant to serve as a performing art center with theaters optimized for high class operas, concerts and other art related activities which would appeal to people of all ages and social backgrounds while promoting an interaction between music, nature and architecture. 

matteo cainer architects: busan opera house
all images courtesy of matteo cainer architects

 

 

the form is based on the camellia flower, the official flower of busan. the dense tectonic petals create a visual connection between the sea and the city. the cantilevering levels give visitors a scenic view of both the waterfront and the city behind. the building is made of glass, revealing the structural components while modulating the penetrating light. contrasting the qualities of the transparent material is a variety of vegetation both around the complex as well as inside the main gallery space both for environmental and humanistic purposes. to integrate the surrounding space, strategically located large digital screens display current events, but can also be used to project live open air concerts, turning the side of the building into a theater.  

matteo cainer architects: busan opera house
main entrance 

matteo cainer architects: busan opera house
grand foyer 

matteo cainer architects: busan opera house
night view of open air concert

matteo cainer architects: busan opera house
rendered diagram of outdoor theater and event plaza 

matteo cainer architects: busan opera house
site plan

matteo cainer architects: busan opera house

floor plan / level 0

matteo cainer architects: busan opera house

section

matteo cainer architects: busan opera house
section

matteo cainer architects: busan opera house

distribution and access connections diagram

 

matteo cainer architects: busan opera house

concept sketch

matteo cainer architects: busan opera house

concept diagram of the evolution of the building’s form

 

 

project info:

 

credits: matteo cainer architects ltd. (honorable mention)
location: busan, korea
use: opera house and multiform theatre
opera capacity: 2180 seats
multi-functional theatre capacity: 1360- 2220 seats
site: marine cultural region, north port, jung-gu, busan, south korea.
site area: 34,928 sqm
total floor area: 56,600 sqm