This cultural endeavor, however, is not less connected with the economic and political situation: Saar is planning to merge into an interstate association SaarLorLux with the French province of Lorraine and Luxembourg, and for a more successful implementation of such a structural change, an increase in the status and consolidation of the financial position of the region is necessary.
Therefore, the new concert hall, built into the building of the former power plant in Saarbrücken, will be located near a busy highway (which should contribute to its popularity and profitability), and the project's trusteeship fund includes world-famous German musicians, as well as ministers of the Saar government.
At the same time, the building function itself implies aloofness from the bustle of the world, and Braunfels emphasized this in his project, which bears little resemblance to a roadside attraction - or even to a typical "iconic" structure that the authors of the idea seem to want to see.
The outer shell of the hall will be the brick walls of the old power plant. In front of it there will be a small square and a mirrored pond lined with trees. Inside the building, viewers will be able to appreciate the contrast between the old building and the snow-white shell of the hall itself for 1300 spectators. Inside it will be lined with wood.
Construction should begin next summer, and in the fall of 2010 the Philharmonic is planned to open. The project budget is 45 million euros.
