Jahn Proposes Concert Hall with Musically-Inspired Screen for Beethoven Festspielhaus Competition

Designing an architectural homage to someone like Ludwig Van Beethoven is no easy feat. Yet that’s exactly what architecture firm Jahn has attempted to do. Their design is a submission for a privately-funded competition being held for Bonn, Germany’s new “Beethoven Festspielhaus.” Chosen from a group of over 50 candidates, Jahn’s project was among ten advanced to the second round of consideration. The proposal, a glass exterior encapsulating a concrete interior, exhibits “Beethoven’s own dual character which is described as both extroverted and introverted,” as described by the firm. Learn more about this inventive design, and the competition, after the break.

Foyer. Image © Jahn

The exterior of Jahn’s dual-volume building is composed entirely of glass, exposing visitors to fantastic views of the adjacent Rhine river, as well as the existing Beethovenhalle nearby. These two halls are connected via a five meter wide pathway, which leads visitors underneath the new hall’s large glass entrance canopy. Pedestrians may also choose to follow this path to the outdoor concert space located at the foot of the building. A steel brise-soleil is attached to the exterior, modeled after Beethoven’s own handwritten scores. This gives the design a direct connection to the composer’s work. The core of the building is set in white concrete, with the concert hall housed within that core set at an angle to receive natural lighting.

Concert Hall. Image © Jahn
Concert Hall. Image © Jahn

Competition judges aim to have a design chosen and constructed by 2020, just in time for Beethoven’s 250th birthday. The proposals of the three finalists, kadawittfeldarchitektur, Valentiny hvp architects, and David Chipperfield Architects, can be viewed here.

Site Plan. Image © Jahn
  • Competition

    Beethoven Festspielhaus Design Competition
  • Award

    Competition Entry
  • Project Name

    Jahn Entry
  • Architects

  • Location

    Beethovenhalle, Wachsbleiche 16, 53111 Bonn, Germany
  • Architect in Charge

    Helmut Jahn
  • Project Year

    2014
  • Photographs

    Jahn
  • Competition

    Beethoven Festspielhaus Design Competition
  • Award

    Competition Entry
  • Project Name

    Jahn Entry
  • Location

    Beethovenhalle, Wachsbleiche 16, 53111 Bonn, Germany
  • Project Year

    2014
  • Photographs

    Jahn

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Project location

Address:Beethovenhalle, Wachsbleiche 16, 53111 Bonn, Germany

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.

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Cite: Connor Walker. "Jahn Proposes Concert Hall with Musically-Inspired Screen for Beethoven Festspielhaus Competition" 24 Nov 2014. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/571568/jahn-proposes-concert-hall-with-muscially-inspired-screen-for-beethoven-festspielhaus-competition> ISSN 0719-8884

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