The Philharmonic Hall of Szczecin in Szczecin, Poland by Barozzi/Veiga is the 2015 winner of the Mies van der Rohe Award by European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture. Initiated in 1987 by The European Commission and the Fundació Mies van der Rohe, the biennial €60,000 prize is one of the highest-ranking prizes in European architecture. It recognizes projects less than 2 years old that best represent the prize’s mission of design and technological innovation, and noteworthy contributions from architects across the continent.  Starting from a competitive pool of 420 projects, down from 40, the jury selected the Philharmonic Hall out of five finalists.

Project Description

“The new Philharmonic Hall of Szczecin is located on the historical site of the “Konzerthaus” and recomposes an urban corner in a neighborhood near to the historic city.  The building houses a symphony hall for 1000 spectators, a hall for chamber music for 200 spectators, a multifunctional space for exhibitions and conferences, and a wide foyer. In its materiality, the building is perceived as a light element: the glass facade, illuminated from inside, allows different perceptions. The exterior austerity and the simple composition of the interior circulation spaces contrast with the expressiveness of the main hall and the concert hall with its gold-leaf covering.”

(note: photos by Simon Menges)