Finnish architecture mesmerizes in Norway
ALA ARCHITECTS ALA Architects has considered the history of Kristiansand in the design of Kilden Performing Arts Centre.Kilden Performing Arts Centre, designed by the Helsinki-based architecture firm ALA has reached its ridge height in the City of Kristiansand, Norway. The building, which is expected to be completed in a year's time, is considered to be Norway's most important cultural building project after the Oslo Opera House.
ALA describes its architecture as expressive and bold, distinguishing Kilden from other Nordic cultural buildings. The most central element in Kilden's architecture is the inclined, undulating wooden wall. The mounting of the 4000 square metre free-form oak wall made of 20 000 individual pieces, which has been implemented using cam technology, has just started and will continue until the end of October. The oak wall will be fixed to a 100 metre-long steel structure with a 40 metre overhang manufactured by the Finnish company Ruukki. According to ALA the use of timber from southern Norwegian forests is an intended reference to Kristiansand's history. The city gained wealth through the export of oak to Central Europe in the early 17th century.
Kilden's 1200-seat concert hall and its 700-seat theatre hall will function as the new home stage for the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra, Agder Theatre and Opera South.
In 2005 ALA Architects won an international architecture competition for the design of Kristiansand Performing Arts Centre. In Finland ALA is currently working for instance on Hanasaari residential area in Helsinki, Suurpelto III in Espoo and Otaniemi and Keilaniemi metro stations in Espoo. In 2008 ALA won the renowned Pietilä Award as recognition of its outstanding work towards the renewal of Finnish architecture.
