Shanghai’s New Western Landmark
Located on Tianshan Road in Shanghai, the Tianshan Cinema was once one of the most renowned cinemas in western Shanghai. However, with the rapid development of the Shanghai New Hongqiao area, Tianshan Road has transformed into a vibrant commercial street. The old cinema no longer fits well with the surrounding modern buildings and shopping centers. As a result, the Changning District government initiated a renovation and expansion project, renaming the venue as the Shanghai Hongqiao Art Center.
After three rounds of a five-year design bidding competition, the architectural firm BAU was awarded the contract to renovate and expand the Shanghai Tianshan Cinema.
Diverse Functions Under One Roof
Following the renovation, the Tianshan Cinema was transformed into the Hongqiao Art Center. The facility now houses seven screening halls of various sizes and a medium-sized theater with a seating capacity of 1,000. Typically, cinemas and theaters serve different audiences and are constructed independently; however, this project uniquely combines both cultural and entertainment venues.
The design connects these two functions through a shared public lobby, creating a transitional space that preserves the distinct character of each area. This integration promotes a cultural blend of film, television, and performing arts, attracting a diverse audience.
Blending Traditional and Modern Elements
To highlight the two main functions—the theater and the cinema—BAU employed contrasting facade materials in the design. The traditional theater features stone cladding, evoking the appearance of a massive rock, supported by columns and complemented by a revolving staircase in the lobby. In contrast, the modern cinema uses a sleek metal panel facade, resembling stacked metal boxes, with the largest screening hall prominently located at the street corner.
The indoor public lobby includes ticket counters, cafes, temporary exhibition spaces, and event areas. Visitors can relax while enjoying views of the lively outdoor plaza and street scene. (The landscape design was also handled by BAU.)
Design Drawings:
▲ General Layout Plan
▲ Underground Floor Plan
▲ First Floor Plan
▲ Mezzanine Plan
▲ Second Floor Plan
▲ Third Floor Plan
▲ Roof Floor Plan
▲ Section A-A
▲ Section B-B
▲ Section C-C
▲ Section D-D
▲ South Facade
▲ North Facade
▲ East Facade
▲ West Facade
▲ Analysis Diagram
▲ Rendering
Project Information:
Architectural Firm: BAU
Address: 888 Tianshan Road, Changning District, Shanghai, China
Category: Renovation Project
Design Team: James Brearley, Steve Whitford, Jiang Han, Luo Huaili, Liu Shuai, Song Hui, Yang Qing’an, Xia Wen, Emma Rytoft, Rong Yu, Li Fuming
Building Area: 14,300 square meters
Project Year: 2016
Photographer: Shu He
Manufacturer: VMZINC
Landscape Design: Robin Armstrong, Luo Li, Liang Yongqin, Cheng Qi
Construction Company: Jiangsu Guangyu Construction Group Co., Ltd
Design Institute Partner: Qingdao Times Architectural Design Co., Ltd
Interior Design: BAU + Shanghai Jianke Architectural Design Institute Co., Ltd
Acoustic Design & Noise Control: Shanghai Academy of Building Sciences
Theater Stage Craftsmanship: Zhejiang Dafeng Industrial Co., Ltd
Cinema Craftsmanship: Shanghai Yongle Film and Television Technology Co., Ltd
3D Rendering: BAU
Owner: Changning District Cultural Bureau, Shanghai
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up