walkway that snakes and curves around the Opera House Lake. In the day time, the reflection of the lake bounces through the glass panelling, creating water ripples, which dance through the foyer, showcasing a soft ambiance that wouldn’t go amiss in a Spa. Funnily enough, it is in stark contrast to the main foyer itself. The monochrome concrete floors and walls are surprisingly blank – though the city’s skyline more than makes up for that – as it is showcased beautifully through the spider-web-like exposed steel frames which support the windows. It is the river valleys which are a main source of inspiration though. Fold lines zig-zag through the building and define the territories and zones – cutting dramatic interior and exterior canyons for circulation, lobbies and cafés, while still allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the interior of the building. Though what is an opera house without an auditorium? Continuing the trend with seamless fluidity, builders used custom-moulded glass-fibre reinforced gypsum to create the smooth curves of the auditorium – created in a light golden hue – these walls almost resemble luxurious silk, draped carefully throughout the room. This, along with the 4,000 LED lights dotted on the ceiling emanates an undefined warmth and makes for a truly magical visual experience.
Image: Virgile Simon Bertrand
Image: Christian Richters