Building in Katowice appreciated around the world

The distinguished building is the new part of the Silesian Academy of Music designed by Tomasz Konior. As many as 255 designs from 19 countries were entered for the competition which was held in the Academy of Sciences in Vienna a few days ago. Among the 40 designs qualified by the jury for the final, the only Polish designs were those by Tomasz Konior, an architect from Katowice.

The building was opened at the end of last year. Similarly to the adjoining facility, created at the end of the 19th century, it has clinker elevations. Inside there is a unique concert hall with wooden moveable walls. The new building is separated from the old one by an atrium with bamboo plants.

The distinction was a nice surprise for the architect as it was not him who nominated his designs. This is another prize for Tomasz Konior. Recently he has been listed among top young European designers in “Europe 40 under 40”.

The first prize in the “Brick Award 2008” competition was awarded to Peter Zumthor or his design of the Columbus Museum in Cologne.