Busan Opera House, South Korea
Snohetta was selected as the winner of the Busan Opera House Competition in South Korea with their ‘Unpacking the Box’ concept. Located on reclaimed land on the city's waterfront, the new Opera House will convert the historically industrial area into a public space for Busan.
The Opera is designed to be exceptionally accessible in the urban context, not just physically accessible but visually accessible, and above all mentally accessible. The four corners of the building connect the city and the cultural landmark to the sea. Two of these corners are lifted to form an entrance from the city and an entrance from the sea.
The 48000 m2 Busan Opera House is designed to be as open as possible on the ground level. The foyer space wraps around two sides of the building towards the sea. This level is the location for the main front of house foyer, restaurant and public entrance to the Parterre.
The characteristic onramps lead to a second public space on the rooftop, giving back to the public what the building’s footprint occupies by allowing the visitors to walk on its roof.
The Opera in Busan is no longer just a place to see and be seen but a place to meet. The spaces are open to all 24/7 and 365 days a year. Busan Opera House is expected to open in 2020.
References:
