Sound architecture in blue: Jean Nouvel’s concert hall in Copenhagen
The Danish Broadcasting Corporation’s new concert hall in Copenhagen rises up like a shining blue cube. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the 45-metre-high building with its fibreglass shell appears restrained at first – but behind the partially transparent façade lies a highly complex concert hall with exceptional room acoustics.
The 24-metre high main hall is completely designed for sound optimisation. No wall is at a right angle, all surfaces are specially shaped and manufactured. A 75-tonne ceiling sail hovers above the stage, the height of which can be variably adjusted – for targeted acoustic adaptation. There are also numerous invisible measures for noise control.
The climate grilles supplied by TTC Timmler are a central component of the acoustic shielding. On the outside, they take care of drainage, while on the inside they provide ventilation – and are vibration and sound insulated: a special cantilever substructure, anchored in the concrete and screed, prevents the transmission of structure-borne noise into the concert hall.
TTC also developed specially moulded ventilation grilles for the entrance area according to Jean Nouvel’s specifications. Their design is reminiscent of oversized vinyl records and thus fit seamlessly into the architectural concept, not only functionally but also in terms of design.