It’s time for change in Düsseldorf. A new Opera House will replace the existing one on Heinrich-Heine-Allee 16A. Dubbed “Duett Düsseldorf”, it creates clear connections to the nearby Hofgarten park, the Rhein river and the popular Königsallee – one of the most elegant shopping streets in Germany.

The project designed by Snøhetta suggests a 1,350 square meter expansion to the North and a 1,455 square meter expansion to the East. To minimize the footprint into the Hofgarten park, the program at ground level is limited and functions that can be placed in the higher-up floors have been lifted.

Approaching the main entrance and foyer from the park, the boundaries between indoors and outdoors are blurred. Then, from the horizontal level, two towers reaches up to the sky, composing a V-shaped outline. The ensemble of towers changes its silhouette from each new perspective, creating a constantly changing expression reminiscent of a dancing duet. The towers – designed to reduce shading of surrounding areas of the park and neighborhood – will host an hotel, residential units and office spaces, and a large garden terrace.