Busan Opera House

The design process, through some architectural gestures and various symbolisms, aimed to create a building that would be an indisputable landmark of Busan. The need of such a landmark derives from the unique characteristics and dynamics of the city. Busan already enjoys exceptional natural and urban environment along with privileged location. All these factors consist of a perfect canvas for an architectural landmark of art and culture that will help the city to rise as a world class culture and tourism center.
The building consists of two prismatic volumes (white and a black), that surround a sphere of light. The symbolism is obvious. The white and black dragons of yin-yang. The yang volume is light and transparent. It is porcelain white and in our concept represents the eastern culture. On the other hand yin, the black volume, stands for the western culture. It is introvert, earthy, rational. Solid with sharp edges, made of hard black granite. The western art of opera meets the Far East in a building. In the center of a tight embracement of the two dragons, lies auminous dome that symbolizes the knowledge, the wisdom, the new culture that derives from the osmosis of the two civilizations. Both elements maintain their essence and dynamics while cooperating with each other in order to reach equilibrium.

The whole structure through its “sloppy” nature, is totally accessible from the ground. It actually invites the users to walk all over its surface as they would do in a civil square, offering views to the sea and the city, as well as places to rest and relax. The shell of the building is blending with the landscape. It is accessible from almost everywhere as it is the natural continuity of the outer common space. A large cascading seating area is situated at the back of the building in order to host outdoor activities. It is designed as a whole entity so that the indoor activities and happenings can be transferred outside when the weather allows so. The building, the surrounding common space and the walking promenade on the top of the volumes, are the discrete elements that consist the whole of the Busan Opera House.

Perpatidis Antonis
Tzima Tania
Rapti Katerina
Nikolopoulos Vasilis
Parisi Ariadni
Stamou Nantia

Busan Opera House by antonis perpatidis in Korea, South won the WA Award Cycle 11. Please find below the WA Award poster for this project.