The flagship Performing Arts Center, designed by Yan Xunqi Architectural Firm for the Bao’an Cultural Comprehensive Gymnastics Knife, officially opened on September 17th in Shenzhen, China. Situated on the southern edge of the cultural complex and adjacent to the Binhai District, the center overlooks Qianhai Bay and the South China Sea, covering an area of 28,000 square meters.
Besides being home to Shenzhen’s first internationally equipped opera house, the center also features a 600-seat theater and rehearsal facilities. These versatile venues accommodate a wide range of performances including opera, dance, symphonies, and drama.
The design draws inspiration from the site’s narrow base adjacent to the bay. At the center’s base is a low-rise building shaped like a wave, introducing rhythm and dynamism along the park’s main axis. The intricately perforated exterior evokes traditional Chinese craftsmanship, reminiscent of wood and ivory carvings.
The façade creates a shimmering visual effect, reminiscent of sunlight dancing on the sea surface. Functionally, it modulates the transparency of various interior spaces: the public areas, such as the lobby, feature open and transparent sections, while more enclosed spaces like theaters and rehearsal rooms utilize opaque portions for privacy.
This façade design is both innovative and avant-garde, blending modern technology with traditional Chinese architectural elements, such as screens and shadow walls.
A distinctive tower, tilted 15 degrees vertically, serves as the building’s iconic focal point, establishing the center as a landmark within the park. Connected to the main structure by a pedestrian bridge, the tower offers stunning views of the bay.
At the base, an elevated colonnade-style public gathering space invites visitors, while a sloping structure links the plaza to a restaurant, seamlessly integrating the building with the surrounding park.
The main entrance features a soaring lobby spanning three floors. The wave-inspired exterior façade extends gracefully into this space. Inside, a dramatic curved staircase and wooden-strip adorned walls catch the eye, while sunlight filters through the perforated façade, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.
The main performance hall accommodates large-scale productions such as opera, classical music concerts, and ballet. Sculptural walls emphasize the hall’s geometric form while enhancing acoustics through background noise reduction and sound amplification.
Six double-decker elevators on stage operate within a ten-meter range, allowing for versatile stage configurations. Additionally, the orchestra pit can be raised to stage level, expanding the performance area when needed.
The center also includes a 600-seat theater designed for flexibility, ideal for experimental and avant-garde productions. Both the stage and seating arrangements can be easily modified to suit events such as fashion shows, theater in the round, and immersive interactive performances.
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Third Floor Plan
△ Fourth Floor Plan
△ Fifth Floor Plan
△ Sixth Floor Plan
△ Seventh Floor Plan
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Analysis Chart
△ Analysis Chart
△ Analysis Chart
△ Analysis Chart
△ Analysis Chart
△ Analysis Chart
△ Analysis Chart
△ Analysis Chart
Project Information
Architectural Design: Yan Xunqi Architectural Firm
Area: 28,000 m²
Project Year: 2021
Photographer: ZC Studio
Design Team: Rocco Yim, Derrick Tsang, William Tam, Herbert Hung, Martin Fung, Lucia Cheung, Stephen Chan, Simon Ho, Calvin Chung, Ivy Yung, Zachary Wong, Zhu Yi, Seah Lee, Jans Liang, Leo Zhou, Chen Lan, Amber Wang, Yang Shi Pei
Owner: OCT
Local Design Institute: Beijing Architectural Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd.
Facade Consultant: BuroHappold
Landscape Design: SWA
Location: Shenzhen, China
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