Dome

Southwest side of the complex; The building sits on a fjord (the Oslofjord) and evokes a flat "iceberg" shape with inclined, white lines. The angled exterior surfaces of the building are covered with Italian marble and white granite and make it appear to rise from the water. The lobby is surrounded by 15 m (49 ft) tall windows with minimal framing and special glass that allows maximum views of the water. The roof is supported by thin angled columns also designed not to interfere with views. Interior surfaces are covered in oak to bring warmth to spaces in contrast to the coolness of the white exterior. The main auditorium is a horseshoe shape and illuminated by an oval chandelier containing 5,800 handmade crystals. The main auditorium seats 1,364 and two other performance spaces can seat 200 and 400. The Opera House won the culture award at the World Architecture Festival in Barcelona in October 2008 and the 2009 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture (Mies van der Rohe award). Tarald Lundevall is the architect of record. Source: Wikipedia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page (accessed 5/4/2011)