hogsvilleBrit
Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavik
Detail from inside the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center in the Icelandic capital, Reykjavik.
When the Icelandic financial system went belly-up in 2008, the British government used anti-terror legislation to try and claw back some of the money reckless investors had poured into this particular black hole in the North Atlantic. The Harpa was still unfinished, and some suggested the building be left incomplete as a monument to financial stupidity. Other voices prevailed, however, and the city (pop. 120,000) now boasts an opera house larger than anything Helsinki or Stockholm has to offer.
It really is a stunning building, the most striking feature being the facade designed by artist Ólafur Elíasson. The building was officially opened just a few days before I was there at the beginning of September 2011.
Wider angled shot here.
Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavik
Detail from inside the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center in the Icelandic capital, Reykjavik.
When the Icelandic financial system went belly-up in 2008, the British government used anti-terror legislation to try and claw back some of the money reckless investors had poured into this particular black hole in the North Atlantic. The Harpa was still unfinished, and some suggested the building be left incomplete as a monument to financial stupidity. Other voices prevailed, however, and the city (pop. 120,000) now boasts an opera house larger than anything Helsinki or Stockholm has to offer.
It really is a stunning building, the most striking feature being the facade designed by artist Ólafur Elíasson. The building was officially opened just a few days before I was there at the beginning of September 2011.
Wider angled shot here.