Precision and proportions define the space
Until the end of the 19th century, concert halls were built for the musical style of the prevailing music. Room proportions, acoustics and furnishings were a spatial response to the current musical zeitgeist.
How should a concert hall now be built that does justice to the various musical styles of the past centuries?
The auditorium in Vitznau can do many things, but it has an unmistakable character. It reflects a 21st century renaissance in thought and music. Out of the desire to experience music as an intense experience, a space with an intimate character was to be created - a space resting in itself, based on the laws of universal harmonies.
The spatial form of the concert hall paints a musical picture: it is a spatial response to the music. Spatial proportions, divisions and folds correspond directly to the interval relationships of the pure tunings. Fifths, fourths and thirds determine the space in all 3 dimensions. The result is a chamber music hall designed for up to one octet but also for choirs such as the Vienna Boys' Choir. The hall seats 280 spectators.
Every detail has been consistently optimised to meet the spatial-acoustic requirements of the sound. Elaborate simulations, acoustic scale models and special building services are used to create the perfect sound experience. To allow for a wide variety of musical styles and occasions, the chamber music hall is acoustically very flexible. Rotatable acoustic panels in the hall have a reflective side and a sound-absorbing side - so the reverberation time can be halved depending on the configuration in the room. The result is a hall that does justice to the different forms of musical expression of the 21st century.
The building was constructed completely underground to protect itself and the surrounding area from local natural hazards. This allows total immersion in a sound universe, far from everyday distraction. The above-ground world is reflected in the sun-coloured metal walls with their reflections and shadows - complemented by the grounding wooden floors. At the same time, the brass walls are the concrete expression of the hall's acoustic qualities; clarity and warmth. The walls are handcrafted, wafer-thin sheets of brass were applied to the walls using the impact metal process.
The Chamber Music Hall is a harmonious place for the highest musical enjoyment.
2020 - 2022
Client:
Park Hotel Vitznau AG
Planning phases:
Design, implementation planning
Planning consortium:
Paul Zimmermann + Partner, Vitznau
Silvia Gmür Reto Gmür Architects, Basel
Project lead:
Elisa Gutermuth
Collaboration:
Philipp Müller, Marta Wróblewska, Duarte Krüger
Photos:
Ralph Feiner