Reconstruction of Tenerife Concert Hall has given the island a famous landmark, a spectacular documentation of the importance of one of Spain’s best symphony orchestras.
The new Concert Hall has above all focused attention on the city of Santa Cruz which, despite its size, had never been a major tourist attraction.
The Concert Hall was designed by Santiago Calatrava, one of the most popular architects of today. His distinctive shapes, often known as "biogenic gothic", are positioned in the exciting field between biology and technology.
For the architect Calatrava, concrete is not merely a down-to-earth building material but fluid stone that he shapes to the limits of its static potential. The most striking element of the Opera House is therefore a free-standing wing made of concrete which, depending on the season and perspective, inspires different associations appearing as a sailing ship, a wave or crescent.
The actual core of the complex, the large auditorium with over 1600 seats, is reached via two glass foyers, also spanned by impressive concrete arches.
Despite the enormous quantity of reinforced concrete, the building’s appearance is light and filigree. A daredevil interplay of interior and exterior - disclosure and concealment.
