NEWS November 28, 2019
Proposal for the New Opera in the Opera (NOIO)
Since 2017 we have collaborated with the Swedish architecture firm Ahrbom & Partner on a proposal for the New Opera in the Opera in Stockholm.
Last week the client, Statens Fastighetsverk, officially presented the project to the Municipality of Stockholm. The project includes the renovation and extension of one of Stockholm’s oldest cultural institutions: Kungliga Operan (The Royal Opera). The project will ensure an opera that provides artistic quality of the highest standard, improved working conditions for all members of staff and accessibility for the audience.
In the new year the project will be sent in consultation in relation to the approval of a new district plan.
“In the official request we present a proposal for the renovation of the Royal Opera that shows how the project can be realized in a way that meets the government’s request for a project proposal. It is a challenge to conduct large renovations of state institutions as these buildings are governed by special laws. In addition, there are all the general requirements for new construction to be met. The Royal Opera needs to be able to evolve creating joy and involvement for many years to come. The goal is for the building to last, at least, for the next 100 years, from when the project is completed,” says managing director of Statens Fastighetsverk, Ingrid Eiken Holmgren.
Artistic quality on the highest level
“The Kungliga Operan from 1898 is a beautiful building. Unfortunately, it doesn’t live up to the work environment legislation of today. The new proposal will improve our working environment while giving us a long awaited new stage for children and young adults, as well as new rehearsal spaces for the orchestra and the ballet. With NOIO we secure an opera that delivers artistic quality on the highest level,” says Birgitta Svendén, managing director of Kungliga Operan.
In the extension facing Kungsträdsgården (the Royal Garden) we plan to place six new halls among these a second stage, rehearsal halls for the orchestra, choir and ballet. A new entrance will also be located here, supplementing the existing entrance which will be upgraded towards Gustav Adolf’s Square.
Since the 1890s the Opera has had two tenants: Kungliga Operan and the Michelin restaurant Operakällaren. Within the new framework of NOIO the restaurant will be able to continue its business as before.
The earliest possible kick-off for construction is 2023. The project entails four years of relocation. NOIO is expected to be completed in 2027.
