IN SHORT
Situated on the Los Llanos waterfront of Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife, between the Marine Park and the edge of the port, the auditorium connects the city to the ocean and creates a significant urban landmark. The all-concrete building is characterized by the dramatic sweep of its roof. Rising off the base like a crashing wave, the roof soars to a height of 58 meters over the main auditorium before curving downward and narrowing to a point. The building’s plinth forms a public plaza covering the site and allows for changes in grade between the different levels of the adjacent roads.
Taking advantage of the Canary Islands' temperate climate, Calatrava designed the main entrances as curving walls of glass-and-wood that can swing up and open or remain closed.
To fine tune the acoustics, the wood panelling of the interior takes on a crystalline form, which also contributes to the drama of the space. The placing of sound reflectors was determined by laser tests, which also helped define the dimensions of the vaulted interior. Instead of having stage curtains, the auditorium is provided with a concertina screen of vertical aluminium slats, which when opened, lift up into the auditorium to act as a sound-reflector above the orchestra pit.