Kilden Performing Arts Centre Designed by ALA Architects

As the lights go down, the curtain rises to a feisty performance. Reminiscing the wave of a curtain, unveils Kilden, a theatre and concert hall in Kristiansand, Norway designed by ALA Architects. The Kilden Performing Arts Centre also strikes a resonance with the flowing waters alongside, imitating the rippling effect. The architect’s vision invites all of the Sørlandet region’s performing art institutions under one parametrically woven form.

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Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra incorporates an expansive concert hall accommodating 1,200 attendees. Ergonomic and proficiently executed, serving every need of an artist and the viewer. The Kilden Theater hall encapsulates a capacity of 700, integrated to transform and accommodate opera performances by Kilden Opera. In addition, a smaller stage abutted alongside present an experimental theatre along with a multi-purpose hall on a level floor.

The architectural oeuvre of Kilden emanates a sensorial experience, alluring and enigmatic when a light moves or a sound elevates. The amiably oriented concert, theatre and multi-purpose halls efficiently coordinated without interference make up the foundation of its architectural impetus.

The monumental, abstract expression of the curvaceous wall made of local oak separates reality from fantasy, imbuing a sense of wonder. The structural magnificence takes you gently, traversing from the natural landscape to the realm of performing arts. The wall with wedged CNC milled solid planks disguises a theatrical effect, but with a concrete tactile artefact, also taming the acoustics of the foyer. The infinite blackness of the other facades emphasizes the spectacle of the foyer in glory.

Kilden Performing Arts Centre, knitting wonderfully assorted spaces, truly stand as a venue to explore and its magnetic appeal charms every visitor with an aura of making their best performance.

Project Details
NAME: Kilden Performing Arts Centre
LOCATION: Kristiansand, Norway
CLIENT: Teater- og Konserthus for Sørlandet IKS
TEAM: ALA partners Juho Grönholm, Antti Nousjoki, Janne Teräsvirta and Samuli Woolston with Niklas Mahlberg, Pekka Sivula, Pauliina Rossi, Julia Hertell, Pauliina Skyttä, Sami Mikonheimo, Jani Koivula, Auvo Lindroos, Aleksi Niemeläinen, Erling Sommerfeldt, Tomi Henttinen, Harri Ahokas and Anniina Koskela, in collaboration with SMS Arkitekter AS (Erik Sandsmark, Wenche Aabel, Jan Tørres B. Grønningsæter, Eirin Zachariassen, Hanne Alnes)
EXTERNAL CONSULTANTS: Birger Grönholm (theatre technology, competition phase), Julle Oksanen (lighting concept), Klaus Stolt (scale models)
COLLABORATORS: WSP Multiconsult AS (structural design), Arup Acoustics (concert hall acoustics), Brekke Strand Acoustics (general acoustic design), Sweco Grøner (HVAC), Cowi (electrical engineering), Theatre Projects Consultants (theatre technology)