The Yiwu Grand Theater in China’s Zhejiang province is designed to look like a boat floating on the river, reminiscent of Chinese junks that used to transport goods across the waters.
Layered glass “sails” provide transparency and lightness while also acting as a protective canopy around the building. The Yiwu Grand Theater will encompass a 1,600-seat grand theater, a 1,200-seat medium theater, and an international conference center with a capacity of 2,000 people.
See Also: Gensler, Corgan reveal their design concepts for Uber Air Skyports
The theater uses a passive solar design. The semi-transparent glass curtain wall was developed as a shading system and also as a way to optimize the use of natural light within the indoor public spaces. This forms a solar greenhouse effect in the winter while in the summer it serves as a ventilation system to enhance airflow circulation inside and outside of the building.
Vehicular transportation will be able to enter from the south shore while a series of tree-lined foot bridges from the north allow people to walk along the water and enjoy views of the theater and the surrounding city. An open plaza and an amphitheater extend into the water on the southern edge and landscaped terraces provide elevated views of the surroundings.
Construction is expected to begin in 2020.
Related Stories
Cultural Facilities | Aug 28, 2019
Seattle’s newest substation doubles as a civic amenity
The Denny Substation includes 44,000 sf of open space that invites local residents and visitors to frequent the complex.
Cultural Facilities | Aug 23, 2019
Snøhetta to design Shanghai Grand Opera House
The Opera House is part of a new urban master plan for Shanghai.
Cultural Facilities | Aug 19, 2019
Tanglewood in the Berkshires is now a year-round facility
It recently debuted three climate-controlled event spaces and an indoor-outdoor café
Cultural Facilities | Jul 15, 2019
Steven Holl Architects and Architecture Acts to design Ostrava Concert Hall in the Czech Republic
Their winning proposal was supported by six of the seven members of the jury.
Cultural Facilities | Jul 11, 2019
BIG’s MÉCA combines three regional art agencies into one loop
The project gives Bordeaux an art-filled public space from the waterfront to the city’s new urban room.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 27, 2019
David Baker Architects wins 2019 HUD 'best in affordable housing' honor
The firm's Williams Terrace project is the first dedicated housing for Charleston, S.C.’s low-income seniors. It's one of four developments to win 2019 AIA/HUD housing awards.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jun 27, 2019
Foster + Partners unveils design of wooden boathouse for Row New York
The project will sit on the banks of the Harlem River in Sherman Creek Park.
Cultural Facilities | May 17, 2019
Mulva Cultural Center builds upon city's arts legacy
Former ConocoPhillips CEO and wife have donated millions for culture and education.
Cultural Facilities | May 7, 2019
Austin-area Boys & Girls Club opens headquarters with robust local financial support
Facility is expanding its after-school programming.
Cultural Facilities | Mar 25, 2019
The new Olympic House in Switzerland will reflect the international governing body’s values
The building, nestled in a large park, is striving to meet three different sustainability standards.
