A bold vision in the heart of Croatia
The Danish architecture firm BIG is crafting a striking new landmark, the Eve Music Hall, in Čepin, Croatia. With a facade reminiscent of flowing theatrical curtains, the venue merges innovative design with function. Spanning 10,000 square meters, it marks BIG’s inaugural completion of a music performance venue, set to host up to 4,000 guests indoors and 25,000 outdoors.
Architectural elegance and function
Inside, the Eve Music Hall features two separate auditoriums connected by a grand foyer. The facade, a composition of timber and limestone, mimics the drape of fabric, inviting guests within. Founder Bjarke Ingels describes it as “a musical eruption on the infinite horizon of the Slavonian fields.” The draping facade includes slits that unfold, guiding visitors into its embraced spaces.

The foyer is a visual marvel, with curved timber beams suspended to resemble wooden curtains. Mirrored walls enhance the space, reflecting light and guiding visitors toward the musical heart of the venue. This thoughtful design blends the vertical grandeur of concert halls with the expansive Slavonian landscape.

Innovative spaces for diverse performances
The venue has been crafted to accommodate a variety of events, from orchestras to open-air festivals. The larger hall caters to music performances, while the smaller acts as a congress hall. Outdoor areas further extend its capabilities, embracing festivals and dynamic cultural events.

João Albuquerque, partner at BIG, notes the pragmatic “music boxes” wrapped in descending waves of Slavonian limestone. Inside, the interplay of timber and stone crafts a warm, inviting atmosphere, seamlessly integrating the structure into its agricultural setting.
This project is part of an ambitious plan to establish a cultural hub in the Slavonia region. BIG continues to innovate with visions for a Nashville performing arts center and a Hamburg opera house, both distinct yet unified in their exploration of form and material.

Collaborative creation
The orchestra of minds behind Eve Music Hall includes Partner-in-charge Bjarke Ingels and João Albuquerque, with Igor Russo as project manager and Stefani Fachini De Araujo leading design efforts. It’s a concerted effort, bringing together a diverse team of architects and designers.
For a deeper dive into combining traditional and modern elements, Kengo Kuma’s Banff landmark showcases wood and stone architecture.
The photography is by Sirrah Project, with renders created by BIG.

Source: dezeen.com
