Water has always been the lifeblood of the Grand Canal, fostering both life and civilization. Today, near the Gongchen Bridge section of the canal, a magnificent theater rises gracefully, its design inspired by flowing water and infused with the distinctive charm of Jiangnan. Emerging gently from the ground, the structure blends naturally with the surrounding park and canal landscape, creating a seamless integration with its environment.
Project Overview: Hangzhou Canal Central Park (Phase II) is situated in Gongshu District, Hangzhou City, stretching along Qiaolong Street from east to west, facing the historic Gongchen Bridge. This development comprises the Hangzhou Canal Grand Theater and its associated park green spaces. The above-ground facilities include a 1,200-seat main theater and a 300-seat multifunctional smaller theater. Additionally, the underground levels house parking facilities alongside cultural and commercial service buildings.
The design of the theater posed significant challenges due to its strict functional space requirements. To address this, the central part of the building houses the towering stage, audience hall, orchestra pit, and rehearsal spaces, ensuring sufficient height for these key areas. Surrounding these core functions, flexible spaces such as lobbies, courtyards, dining areas, and reception zones are positioned along the edges of gently sloping grassy banks, offering expansive views of the landscape. The varying floor heights throughout the structure create a dynamic and fluid spatial experience.
The building’s facade features materials such as porcelain aluminum panels, glass, and ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), predominantly in pure white and warm gray tones. This palette creates a welcoming and gentle architectural presence.
The interior design draws inspiration from the distinct cultural landscape surrounding the Gongchen Bridge section of the Grand Canal. It features elements characterized by “linear flow, arched rhythm, ripple-like scales, and harmonious proportions,” echoing themes of water, bridges, fish, and people.
This project utilizes Building Information Modeling (BIM) and parametric design techniques throughout the entire process. BIM technology facilitates collaborative design of complex spaces and efficient use of residual areas, while parametric methods allow for nonlinear design and optimization. Specifically, parametric design supports variable spatial positioning and refines the specifications of the facade’s “ice pattern” curtain wall, reducing both costs and construction challenges.
Our vision extends beyond the theater’s interior, aiming to make cultural and artistic exchange accessible outdoors as well. The park’s lawns, sunken plazas, and rooftop grassy slopes expand the possibilities for cultural and artistic activities, encouraging interaction and integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. This harmonious blending makes Canal Central Park a vibrant cultural and leisure destination.
Project Drawings
Project Information
Architect: ZIAD
Area: 69,871 m²
Year: 2021
Photographers: Da Chou, Wen Pei
Manufacturers: UHPC Anhui Huiliao New Decorative Materials Co., Ltd., Shanghai Yaohua Pilkington Glass Co., Ltd., Lesilong Building Materials (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
EPC Manager: Yang Xuelin
Project Leaders: Xu Shiwen, Yao Zhiyu, Yang Xinhui
Design Team: Yao Zhiyu, Yang Xinhui, Zhang Jianjun, Zhu Yubo, Chen Tianchi, Yao Kaiming, Rong Qiji
Structural Design: Feng Yongwei, Wu Xiaoping, Zhang Chensheng, Wang Zhen
Water Supply and Drainage Design: Ma Huijun, Yang Ting, Hu Junlong
HVAC Design: Wang Xinyu, Zhao Yufei
Electrical Design: Qiu Junqi, Yu Bin, Wu Zhaota
Curtain Wall Design: Liang Fangling, Lin Na, Jiang Guilong, Guo Lin
Landscape Design: Chen Jing, Ying Keji, Li Li, Zhou Xingyu
Indoor Floodlights: Fang Fang, Yi Zonghui
Interior Design: Yang Haiying, Hu Geng, Zheng Jiyao, Dong Ping, Luo Yun, Liu Fen
BIM Design: Kou Lin, Lu Ji, Li Linbo
Location: Hangzhou
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