Danish architecture practice Henning Larsen has won a design competition for a 17,500-sq-m music and conference hall in Bergen, Norway.

'Kontrapunkt' is a 17,500 sq m music and conference hall that includes a theater with an orchestra pit, an exhibition area, a café, flexible rehearsal spaces, and enhancements to the surrounding outdoor square. This addition to the existing Grieg Hall, originally designed by Danish architect Knud Munk, aims to promote fluid movement, exploration, and seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor environments. The hall is designed to seat 1,000 spectators, with an additional 145 seats extending over the orchestra pit. Below Edward Grieg’s Square to the north, new exhibition spaces spanning 3570 sq m will provide a dynamic platform for cultural engagement. The foyer, integrated into the urban landscape, will offer dual access points: the current entrance at Grieg Hall's first floor and a new entryway from Edward Grieg’s Square, facilitating connections with the city. Along Strømgaten, a sunlit café, accompanied by a sheltered outdoor area, will create an inviting atmosphere. Adjacent to the communal spaces, a versatile rehearsal room will be capable of transforming into a performance venue, conference space, or event hall. With dimensions matching those of the main stage at 16x16 meters and equipped with a telescopic amphitheater, the room will accommodate up to 140 seats.

Grieg Quarter is expected to be completed in 2030/31, and the competition was done in collaboration with Grieghallen Udbygging, Charcoal Blue, AIX, Thornström Brookfield Arkitekter, Rambøll, and Schjelderup & Gram and with support from the Grieg Foundation. Henning Larsen is delivering architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, and sustainability strategy for the project.