The New Yorker

Thoughtful Facts!

Featuring The New Yorker

• The building has become such a popular area to hang out in that when they caught a couple making love above the auditorium one of the architects mentioned to the author that he considered their act both a compliment and "the buildings consummation." 
• The roof of the Opera House is an illusion! By looking at the pictures and videos you can see people walking up and down without any railings and it seems really dangerous, but as it turns out the perils is an illusion. The architects got the idea from zoo's they angled the roof in a specific way that while you climb you can seldom see other buildings! 
• As the author talks and describes the main auditorium he uses phrases like "cathedral like" and "magic world" he even goes as far as to say that he is moved every time he enters the room. He also mentioned that the performers had to adjust their voice depending on whether the seats in the auditorium were empty or filled.

Owen, David. "The Psychology of Space." The New Yorker. 31 Jan. 2013. Web. 6 Feb. 2015. <http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/01/21/the-psychology-of-space>.

My Drawing

West Facade of Building

• For my drawing of the Oslo Opera House I decided to include the tourists walking around, skateboarding, on their bikes, and walking their dogs. I decided to include that because I felt like it was a key part of the buildings soul and what its true function is. 

Journal Article

Three Important things I learned ...

because of this Journal Article: European Urban and Regional Studies, "Oslo’s new Opera House: Cultural flagship, regeneration tool or destination icon?"

http://eur.sagepub.com/content/18/1/93.abstract

• Tourism was not a primary reason for construction, initially a secondary, increased tourism mostly from domestic visitors quickly became the buildings greatest benefit.
• Designers feel that the building's location near the sea will make it sustainable; even though interest in architectural design may change in the future, people will always feel included to connect with nature.
• Designers hoped that the Opera House's physical structure would spark a nation-wide interest in arts - more specifically in opera and ballet.

The Opera House- Video

Because pictures can't always capture the great moments of life, heres a video:

• This video begins with showing the exterior of the opera house then moves in to showing the beautiful interior all whilst showing the great functions of every room. This including the rehearsal room and an opera in the main auditorium. But it also shows all the interactions happening around outside and inside the Oslo Opera House.
• I was pleased to see that the building really is being used as a dual-purpose architecture. I enjoyed the fact that they showed families outside taking pictures, then they showed the ballet dancers practicing, then the opera singers performing. I really do feel like the function and purpose of this building is being fulfilled.

http://operaen.no/en/Learn-more/About-the-Opera-House/#section4374638

Oslo Opera House Flickr Photo Cache

Meaningful Observations

• The part of the opera house that connects with the water has accumulated some mold and has depreciated the appearance of the building.
• The massive windows provide a reflection not only of the fjord behind the person taking the picture, but also provides a reflection of the person herself/himself much like a mirror. It also illuminated the city at night especially next to the water it provides such a beautiful sight.
• The exterior walls of the opera house give a different effect when the light hits it at a different angle and it also changes in color depending on the intensity of light that hits it.

https://www.flickr.com/groups/oslooperahouse_operahus/

Blog about the Oslo Opera House

One thing I learned about the Oslo Opera House...

Based on this blog: http://www.thepolisblog.org/2011/10/oslo-opera-house-as-public-space.html

• The author of this blog talked enthusiastically about how the opera house is not only used for high class events such as hosting National Ballet's and Opera's, but it is also a public place where bicyclists and skateboarders can go and enjoy the architecture. He also talks about its iceberg-like shape.
• I have to agree with what the author is talking about in his blog. I really enjoy the idea that this beautiful building is not only showcasing grand events, but is also being used by the public. The architect himself said it was supposed to be a dual-purpose building and I personally love the idea behind it. I also really love that he compared the building to an iceberg because of the interaction with the water.

Print Sources

Print Sources:

"Theaters and Concert Halls: Construction and Design Manual"

-Author: Brigit Schmolke

-This book provides many plan photos of the opera house along with photos of the main auditorium. It includes a historical description of the city and provides some more in depth details about the artistic decisions for this opera house. It also describes the interior of this building such as the the horseshoe shape main auditorium, the white marble-clad foyer mural, and the facilities inside this wonderful opera house.

-Available in the Architecture Library

"The Most Beautiful Opera Houses In The World"

-Author: Antoine Pecquer

-This book provides several photos of not just the important parts of the opera house, but also the unseen rooms like the changing areas and rehearsal spaces. It also provides a detailed historical description of the history of the opera house.

-Located in the Architecture Library

Interview with architect

Interview with architect Kjetil Thorsen

In the interview with architect Kjetil Thorsen he describes how the opera house is a dual-purpose building. It serves as an Opera House and as a public space. Such that it hosts events like operas and ballets, but is also a place for public use like a park and for skateboarding. He also described the relationship between architecture and the public.

"Going Public: Kjetil Thorsen of Snøhetta Interviewed by Timothy Moore." ArchitectureAU. N.p., 24 May 2012. Web. 06 Feb. 2015.

Interior Oslo Opera House

Interior of the Oslo Opera House

The Theatre- the main auditorium- the opera house's most important space. It causes a sense of awe through its impressive chandelier and massive U-Shape design. The stage curtain is an important element in the auditorium causing a contrast to the dark timber with the chandelier. 

Google Earth

Oslo Opera House on Google Earth

"Oslo Opera House / Snohetta." ArchDaily. N.p., 07 May 2008. Web. 06 Feb. 2015.

            -Some important factors that I notice about the Oslo Opera House’s surroundings is: color, material and light, the white marble really stands out from the other buildings and next to the water it seems brighter. Symmetry and shape also stand out, the lines when the material changes from marble to glass.

Google Earth

-The opera house is at the edge of the city, sitting on the Oslo Fjord Waters.

-Since the opera house is sitting on the Oslo Fjord Waters, it is a way of connecting nature with an urban city. 

Oslo Opera House Exterior

Opera House Or Glacier?

Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Oslo_opera_house.jpg

Source:"Oslo Opera House / Snohetta." ArchDaily. N.p., 07 May 2008. Web. 06 Feb. 2015.

-The Oslo Opera House has many windows over 15 feet high.

-The Opera House is also said to resemble a glacier because of its location near the water and the white marble. These huge windows also project translucent light onto the Oslo Fjord.

Owen, David. "The Psychology of Space." The New Yorker. N.p., 31 Jan. 2013. Web. 06 Feb. 2015.

Plans for Oslo Opera House

Plans for Oslo Opera House

"Opera Oslo- Snøhetta-9." WORKSDIFFERENT ARQUITECTURA. N.p., 01 Oct. 2013. Web. 06 Feb. 2015.

North Facade

South Facade

"Oslo Opera House - Snøhetta." Oslo Opera House - Snøhetta. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Feb. 2015.

"Oslo Opera House / Snohetta." ArchDaily. N.p., 07 May 2008. Web. 06 Feb. 2015.

Function/Purpose

The Function of the Oslo Opera House

The Oslo Opera House is used primarily as a host for National Opera and Ballet's, and serves as a public place much like a park. But it is also used for banquet functions, rock concerts, experimental performances and children's theatre. It's second level serves as offices for officials of these organizations.

"Oslo Opera House / Snohetta." ArchDaily. N.p., 07 May 2008. Web. 06 Feb. 2015.

[Exterior Pic #2] Note: People hanging around and sitting by the water.

Oslo Opera House

Name: Oslo Opera House

Alternate name: Operahuset

Architect: the firm Snohetta lead the project including architect Tarald Lundevall.

Source: Snohetta Website

Date: 2003-2007

Location: Oslo, Norway

Type: cultural

[Exterior Pic #1] Notice the opera house's proximity to the water. The materials used were marble, aluminum, glass and wood.

"Oslo Opera House / Snohetta." ArchDaily. N.p., 07 May 2008. Web. 06 Feb. 2015.