With the Opera
Pavilion, which can accommodate 200 waiting persons, opera guests and other
visitors to Holmen will have a place of shelter by the water bus quay. In
its form, the building takes its cue from the existing semicircle of the jetty.
The pavilion thus has the appearance of a seamless, circular geometrical shape
which is open towards the jetty and on two sides, as well as towards the gangway
pier. The clear, simple expression is underlined in the facade structure,
which consists of two strips of copper, between which runs a glass facade
offering 360-degree visibility. The roof, which is slightly sloping, is also
clad in copper, and features an asymmetrically-positioned round skylight, which
gives the building's fifth facade a certain lightness. This unusual
architectural treatment was desirable, as the entire building can be seen from
the Opera foyer.
Copper has been chosen to create an architectural link with the handsome,
preserved control towers on the bridges of Knippelsbro, Langebro and
Sjællandsbroen. Coppers ages beautifully and is resistant to the harsh harbour
environment. Marine-influenced materials and details can also be seen in the
brass handrails, the detailing of the oak floors and ceilings, and the unusually
shaped bench. In the evenings, the copper pavilion will be lit in a way
which signals a festive atmosphere and receptiveness, both to the harbour
environment and the Opera.