Founded 1,500 years ago, Azerbaijan’s capital Baku derives its name from the old Persian word for ‘wind-pounded city’. Located on the coast of the Caspian Sea, the city is a very important commercial centre.
The indoor music hall for the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest is located next to the iconic flag on the crescent shaped shoreline of the Caspian Sea. More than just a temporary state-of-the-art event facility, the venue will equip Baku with a new multipurpose entertainment destination. The hall has the potential to become one of the new landmarks of the city with its recognisable form.
Mecanoo’s design takes advantage of the waterfront by creating a hilly park with cafes and promenades. In addition to the arena, with a capacity of more than 18,000, there is also an outdoor theatre, centre for cultural education, restaurants and plans for a future water taxi harbour.
Inspired by the natural landscape of Azerbaijan, the transparent and welcoming Eurovision Music Hall resembles the familiar forms created by the local volcanoes. By night, the venue is lit from inside like molten lava: a reference to the eternal flames on the city’s coat of arms.