Kilden performing arts centre by ALA Architects

“KILDEN”, the new Performing Arts Center for Sørlandet, was built to serve as a “cultural landmark” – one that defined the space around it rather than being defined by its surroundings. Cantilevered over the dark water, golden oak undulations are reminiscent of a sun – they illuminate both people walking along the boardwalk as well as the rippling water beneath.

From the start KILDEN has a strong conceptual basis – the oak undulations “act as a surface separating reality from fantasy”. Just as the building houses several theatres, it is a drama unto itself. Dark angular walls house the back of the building, complete with functional street entrances for each theatre and reminiscent of the walls inside the theatres, while the front glows and draws in visitors. As you enter each theatre from the foyer you are pulled beneath the wave of radiant light you enter a realm of unreality and creativity.

Designed by ALA Architects, KILDEN was started in 2008 and completed earlier this year.  ”The building has a desire to please the public, to be popular and understandable to everybody” and there is little to misunderstand about it. Be it the winter, the night, or the middle of a sunny day in Norway, the KILDEN building is brilliant icon along the water.