Elbphilharmonie
Elbphilharmonie
Even from a distance Hamburg’s new landmark locks the gaze of Hamburg locals and tourists alike. View the special architectural features found inside that were captured by the architectural photographer Iwan Bann.
Elbphilharmonie - view from the west by Iwan BaanElbphilharmonie
Depending on the weather and time of day, the glass facade has the ability to shimmer in a kaleidoscope of colours.
The glittering glass facade is constructed of 1,100 unique components. Some of the window panels have been intricately curved inwards or outwards, which intensifies the iridescent effect.
The Tube
The spherical escalator with elaborate lighting gives visitors their first encounter with the remarkable atmosphere of the building. The escalator is 82 metres long and curved, so that the top of it is not visible from the bottom.
Following the spectacular trip, the next highlight awaits visitors: The panorama window offers a spectacular view down the river Elbe towards Hamburg’s harbour.
Elbphilharmonie, Plaza by Iwan BaanElbphilharmonie
Next stop, the Plaza: Located at a height of 37 metres above ground level, the public viewing platform serves as the junction between the old harbour warehouse and the modern glass structure above it.
Large, wave-like wind screens deflect wind and weather.
Outer Plaza
Visitors can walk all the way around the Elbphilharmonie on the outer Plaza. At a height of 37 metres above ground level, the viewing platform offers a breathtaking panorama of Hamburg, the harbour and the docks.
Foyers
The Plaza is a gateway for concertgoers. Guests can reach the foyers via stairs and lifts which lead to the concert halls. The Recital Hall’s wood-panelled foyer on floor 10 (image).
Elbphilharmonie - Foyers Grand Hall by Iwan BaanElbphilharmonie
Foyers of the Grand Hall
The staircases in the Grand Hall foyer encircle the concert hall spaciously and extend over floors 11 to 16.
Elbphilharmonie - Foyers Grand Hall by Iwan BaanElbphilharmonie
Foyers of the Grand Hall
Elbphilharmonie, Grand Hall by Iwan BaanElbphilharmonie
The heart of the Elbphilharmonie: In the Grand Hall, the rows of audience seating rise up from the centrally located stage. Up to 2,100 visitors at any one time can experience the unique acoustic here.
The one-of-a-kind reflector above the stage projects sound to guarantee an optimal acoustic experience from every seat. The organ’s Echo division (Fernwerk) is also integrated into the reflector.
A pipe organ has been built into the seats traversing three floors of the Grand Hall. The organ can be played not only from the mechanical console directly in front of it, but also via a mobile, electronic console on stage.
Elbphilharmonie, Grand Hall by Iwan BaanElbphilharmonie
The balconies rise up like terraces of a vineyard from floors 12 to 17. In the lofty heights of the 17th floor, concertgoers are no further than 30 metres away from the stage, without any sound or sight barriers.
About 1,000 handblown light fixtures generate the feeling of a real-life ocean of lights. The glass orbs were developed especially for the Elbphilharmonie – each one is a one of a kind copy.
The »white skin« that covers the surface of the walls and ceilings in the Grand Hall is composed of approximately 13,000 sheets of gypsum fibre panels. Each unique surface relief was cut to reflect the sound optimally.
Roof terrace of the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg.
Elbphilharmonie - view from the northeast by Iwan BaanElbphilharmonie
© Iwan Baan
