Philharmonic Hall Szczecin, Poland

By Alberto Veiga and Fabrizio Barozzi in collaboration with Studio A4

Awards: European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture - Mies van der Rohe Award 2015

Image credit: Simon Menges

Philharmonic Hall in Poland claimed 2015's European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture - the Mies van der Rohe Award.

Representing modern architecture across Europe (where new complexes are developed on their previous sites), the Philharmonic Hall stood out in a variety of ways.

Image credit: ®Hufton+Crow

What caught DesignCurial's eye the most was the sharply-pitched gables creating a jagged finish to the skyline. This geometric design follows through in the main symphony hall where triangular wooden acoustic panels line the walls and ceiling, and are finished with gilded gold-leaf.

Image credit: ®Hufton+Crow

These warm gold leaf tones are a forgiving contrast to the stark white that covers the remainder of the interior and the exterior. A smooth, fluid staircase brings curves to an otherwise geometric-dominated environment.

The building was designed by Alberto Veiga and Fabrizio Barozzi (Barozzi/Veiga) in collaboration with Studio A4.