Sonorous

Entrance design of the Berlin Philharmonic

A large-scale glass design was created for the entrance area of the Berlin Philharmonie, translating the energy of conductor Kirill Petrenko into a graphic, abstract visual language. Overlapping lines and geometric forms make sound and movement visible.

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Sound as a visual language

The concept originated from the energy of conductor Kirill Petrenko, whose dynamism is reflected in overlapping lines, rhythmic structures, and flowing geometric forms. The representation deliberately remained graphic and abstract, rather than depicting the conductor himself or a specific motif.

The composition of the patterns nevertheless created a palpable dynamism. The forms were repeated across the facade, but were always slightly shifted and altered in color. This interplay of repetition and variation subtly echoed the interaction of different tonal values, inspired by the music played in the house, almost as if sound waves of different frequencies were superimposed in a room.

Individual yellow areas deliberately brought calm to the otherwise dynamic composition. They simultaneously connected the design to the company's corporate identity and added tranquil accents amidst the dynamic lines.

Gesamtansich der Tape Art Gestaltung am Eingang der Philharmonie

Architecture meets sound

The design incorporated the striking architecture of the Philharmonie and its characteristic color scheme, complementing them with vibrant magenta and blue tones that lent the entrance area a contemporary, lively identity. The resulting forms partially resembled the building's distinctive architectural structure itself, as if the energy of the conductor and the music filled the entire building and flowed outwards through the facade.

The graphic elements extended across the entire glass front of the entrance area, deliberately incorporating the round windows and open facade surfaces into the composition. Overlapping lines created optical vibrations, reminiscent of sound waves, rhythmic movements, and musical resonances.

A work that moves with the light

The incoming daylight projected the design into the interior and extended the work through a play of shadows within the building itself. Thus, the installation was never static, but changed throughout the day with the position of the sun, just as music constantly changes at the moment it is played.