Tension Instrument: A Symphony of Architecture and Music

Golden A' Design Award Winner Lihan Jin's Concert Hall

Derived from a prototype of a piece of wood bent by a string in tension, the Tension Instrument is a concert hall like no other. The design is an orchestration of walls, balconies, and acoustic panels, each developed from the prototype at different scales and tectonics. The result is a structure that not only houses music but also embodies it in its very form.

The Tension Instrument's unique properties lie in its careful placement within its urban landscape. The site finds itself nestled at the junction of historical and modern districts, creating a dramatic contrast of old and new. This careful positioning, coupled with the unique architectural design, creates a new cultural landmark for Prague.

The Tension Instrument is realized using Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), Concrete, and Steel. These materials, combined with the innovative design, result in cantilevered curved walls, a feat achieved through the combination of steel and cross-laminated timber. The structure measures 100m x 65m x 50m, a grand testament to the power of architectural innovation.

The project, which started in January 2020, is based on the study of architecture and music. The design focuses on how to take inspiration from intangible music and present it in tangible architectural space. The design ultimately combines the two through "tension", a force that is prevalent in both architecture and music.

The Tension Instrument was awarded Golden in A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2023. This prestigious award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.