Musikhuset Esbjerg and Esbjerg Kunstmuseum have a new lively forecourt that encourages community and gathering around a cymatic pool. The new Henning G. Kruses Plads square is designed by BIG Landscape to celebrate the city?s relationship with the sea, characterized by both Esbjerg?s maritime history and Henning G. Kruse?s life.
Photography by Rasmus Hjortshøj
Esbjerg?s location near the sea has shaped the city?s history and its development, which began when the port of Esbjerg opened for navigation in 1874. Today, Esbjerg is Denmark?s fifth-largest city and gateway to many green energy projects in the North Sea. Over the years, the city has invested in a wealth of cultural offerings, of which Henning G. Kruses Plads is the latest example. Designed by BIG Landscape for the Henning G. Kruses Foundation the Plads was donated to Musikhuset and the people of Esbjerg. Diagram
With respect to Utzon?s original Musikhus, the square is designed as an extension of the existing architecture. Extending from the interior foyer to Havnegade waterfront the pillars grow together with the birch forest outside and create a smooth transition from inside to outside the Musikhus. Musikhuset?s forecourt has now been transformed into a birch forest with a cymatic pool at the center, inviting Musikhuset?s guests and passers-by to gather and enjoy the area.
Photography by Rasmus Hjortshøj
The square honors the city?s close ties to the sea. A 10-meter diameter round basin in the birch ?forest? cre...