Delugan Meissl Associates Architectes, Vienna/Austria

Authors:
Elke Delugan-Meissl, Roman Delugan, Martin Josst
Employees and Student Trainees:
Sebastian Brunke, Jörg Rasmussen, Oana Maria Nituica, Claudiu Barsan-Pipu, Marina Kolloch, Thomas Theilig, Xiaozhen Zhu, Peter Pichler, Jan Saggau
Experts:
Structural Design: Werkraum Wien, Vienna
Design of Open-air Spaces: Rajek Borosch Landschaftsarchitektur, Vienna
Concert Theater and Acoustics: Müller BBM Akustik, Munich
HVACR: Scholzegruppe, Vienna

Explanatory report (abstract)
The differentiated but interconnected spatial sequences of public spaces, foyers and theater halls turn the Darat King Abdullah II into a lively, discussion-rich platform for conversations, performances and societal action...
Proposed at a prime location in the heart of the Jordanian capital, the complex is planned to house all types of performing arts. Conceived as a place to rehearse, discuss, teach, study and perform, the complex is to become the premier venue for theater, music and dance performances and education.
The goal of the design is to conceive an open building that is effective as an inviting and yet powerful symbol in all directions while being permeated by generosity and openness.
In this distinctive urban planning situation, the Darat King Abdullah II forms the end point of the GAM strip, spatially envelops it and at the same time appears as a starting point for the further valley with its special qualities. "Bridges" are being erected and diverse public spaces on smaller and larger scales are being constructed for the connection of the urban areas that were previously divided by the traffic.
The three main pedestrian movements from the GAM strip flow into the public square in front of the building, which directly adjoins the foyer. The square is arranged six meters above street level and thereby removed from the traffic noise. It is bordered by restaurants and cafes and is highly attractive to visitors. With the direct connection to the bridge to the GAM strip and the newly created terraced and wooded recreation areas, this exterior space functions as a public stage for a communicative togetherness. The space forms an ideal transition to the "House of Music", and this is increased by the inviting gesture of the exposed canopy.
The transparency and the inclusion of the location and environment as a part of the interior conception further underline the uniqueness and specific identity of the building. The differentiated but interconnected spatial sequences of public spaces permit the creation of a site that can just as well offer the quiet and concentration that is desirable for the enjoyment of music.

Remarks by the jury
The design demonstrates a thorough understanding of the functional and urban aspects of the project. The disposition of spaces, and their physical relationships are both efficient and clear and provide very dramatic and exciting interiors. The exterior spaces integrate very beautifully with the interior, the surrounding landscape and urban spaces. In general, the building is carefully sited and massed integrating it successfully with the surrounding site, street and the garden (GAM strip). However, there were discussions within the jury about the location and massing of the design. A further development of the design should carefully review the elevations towards all directions. Especially the appearance to the west may require modifications in its fassade and height.
The geometry of the exterior is sculpturally dramatic and the fact that it is composed of geometric planes, juxtaposed together elegantly, makes it easy to execute.
Security issues have been solved successfully. The two main theaters are placed side by side on the site. This arrangement offers a significant advantage in effectively organizing the shared backstage areas and foyers.
However, certain parts of the design have been identified as functionally not fully successful and would need a redesign. The areas are exceeding the requirements of the program, in particular the vast foyer and the educational area. The ramp leading up from Princess Basma Road is a little to steep. The jury discussed the configuration of the large concert theater and found that in its present form it is not suitable for theatrical performances. An auditorium is required that can accommodate a wide range of performing arts including musicals, dance, all aspects of music, etc. The current design is derived from the rather longitudinal, traditional European shoe-box concert hall. While it will be good for symphony and classical music concerts it will be comparably poor for other events. The design of the auditorium in both plans and sections should be re-considered and its flexibility improved.
Furthermore the back-of-house administration, education and rehearsal spaces are wrapped around the spaces on several levels. Access to, and circulation within these spaces needs to be developed to give easy and secure circulation.
The building finish should take into consideration maintenance against accumulating dust. The resistance of the structure against damages by earthquakes has to be proven. The architects should make sure to avoid any construction above the box culvert and minimize the cutting of existing trees.
As a summary, the jury is recognizing the entry as a unique concept that offers a high value for identification. The design makes a powerful formal statement which confident and appropriate strategy to both integrate the existing and represent the new.