US studio Steven Holl Architects + Architecture Acts have won an international architectural and urbanistic competition for a concert hall in the Czech city of Ostrava, the city’s mayor Zdenek Macura announced on Thursday.
The cost of the building, which is to be located in the city centre, is estimated at € 60 mio. The construction works should begin in 2022 and should be completed by the end of 2023.
For decades, Ostrava has dreamt of a concert hall with perfect acoustics, sufficient space for listeners and facilities for the Janacek Philharmonic Orchestra. Built in 1956–1961 in the modern classicist style, the House of Culture is not fit for this purpose, and has for many years struggled to become meaningfully involved in the city’s contemporary cultural life. This will change from 2023 on.
The architects will design a completely new concert hall, but also renovation of the existing House of Culture and the connection between the two buildings.
