The intention of the architect Henning Larsen and artist Olafur Eliasson was that this much-admired work of art should form a close interrelationship with its environment. The ever-changing light in Iceland and the location at the sea are reflected in the interplay of colour and light in the dichroic glass. The effect colours of the glass were developed in close cooperation with Olafur Eliasson by PRINZ OPTICS and produced by the company Schott.

Color effect glass’ changing colourfulness and nearly unlimited transparency allows plenty of scope for impressive architectural solutions. Even the sparing use of dichroic panes in the glass
facade design and glass roofing, offers additional attractiveness and originality. It has been demonstrated that even a 5% proportion in the facade vitrification is sufficient to attain the impressive play of light and colour at the Harpa building.

Although only 3% of the facade are equipped with dichroic glass the chameleon effect is outstanding. Additionally, permanently changing the mood of the light increases the dynamic color effects.