Kilden Performing Arts Centre
Kilden, a theater and concert hall in Kristiansand, Norway, has brought together all of the Sørlandet region’s performing arts institutions under one roof. Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra has a concert hall accommodating 1,200 attendees. The Kilden Theater is performing in a theater hall with a capacity of 700, that can be transformed to also accommodate opera performances by Kilden Opera. In addition, there is a smaller stage for experimental theater and a multi-purpose hall with a level floor.
Kilden produces experiences. The way the concert, theater and multi-purpose halls are serviced efficiently and without interference forms the core of its architecture. The monumental abstract form of the wall made of local oak separates reality from fantasy. Passing through, the audience will move from natural landscape to the realm of performing arts. This wall made of wedged CNC milled solid planks is not only a disguised theatrical effect but a concrete tactile artifact, which also improves the acoustics of the foyer. The infinite blackness of the other facades emphasizes the spectacle of the foyer.
The project was executed according to the original design, and within the given timeframe and budget. The expansion of the venue containing more rehearsal space was completed in late 2014.
Exterior view, photo: Tuomas Uusheimo
Exterior view, photo: Tuomas Uusheimo
Facade detail, photo: Tuomas Uusheimo
Wooden wall, detail, photo: Tuomas Uusheimo
Ground floor lobby, photo: Tuomas Uusheimo
Wall Painting by Josefine Lyche, detail, photo: Tuomas Uusheimo
Coronium by Claire Oboussier and Vong Phaopanit, detail, photo: Tuomas Uusheimo
Symphony hall, photo: Tuomas Uusheimo
Symphony hall, photo: Tuomas Uusheimo
Symphony hall, photo: Tuomas Uusheimo
Theater and opera hall, photo: Tuomas Uusheimo
Theater and opera hall, photo: Tuomas Uusheimo
Wall detail, theater and opera hall, photo: Tuomas Uusheimo
Multi purpose hall, photo: Tuomas Uusheimo
Studio stage, photo: Tuomas Uusheimo
Rehearsal hall, photo: Tuomas Uusheimo
Exterior view, photo: Tuomas Uusheimo
Back facade, photo: Tuomas Uusheimo
View from the direction of Kvadraturen, photo: Tuomas Uusheimo
First Floor
Second Floor
Third Floor
Concert Hall Section
Multi-Purpose Section
Theater Section
South Elevation
West Elevation
North Elevation
Site Plan
NAME: Kilden Performing Arts Centre
TYPE: Open international competition, 2004-2005, 1st prize
STATUS: Built, open to public since January 2012, expansion completed in December 2014
PROGRAM: Concert hall with 1,200 seats, theater and opera hall with 700 seats, multi-purpose hall, small theater hall, office space, rehearsal space, workshop building, parking garage for 400 cars, 24,600 m² total
LOCATION: Kristiansand, Norway
CLIENT: Teater- og Konserthus for Sørlandet IKS
TEAM: ALA partners Juho Grönholm, Antti Nousjoki, Janne Teräsvirta and Samuli Woolston with Niklas Mahlberg, Pekka Sivula, Pauliina Rossi, Julia Hertell, Pauliina Skyttä, Sami Mikonheimo, Jani Koivula, Auvo Lindroos, Aleksi Niemeläinen, Erling Sommerfeldt, Tomi Henttinen, Harri Ahokas and Anniina Koskela, in collaboration with SMS Arkitekter AS (Erik Sandsmark, Wenche Aabel, Jan Tørres B. Grønningsæter, Eirin Zachariassen, Hanne Alnes)
EXTERNAL CONSULTANTS: Birger Grönholm (theater technology, competition phase), Julle Oksanen (lighting concept), Klaus Stolt (scale models)
COLLABORATORS: AF Gruppen (main contractor), WSP Multiconsult AS (structural design), Arup Acoustics (concert hall acoustics), Brekke Strand Acoustics (general acoustic design), Sweco Grøner (HVAC), Cowi (electrical engineering), Theatre Projects Consultants (theater technology)