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 | Jun 2, 2018
Topping Off: Pikes Peak is getting a new Summit Complex
The 26,000-sf facility will be green, resilient, and emphasize the view rather than the architecture.
Libraries | Jun 1, 2018
New library offers a one-stop shop for what society is craving: hands-on learning
Beyond lending books and DVDs, the Elkridge (Md.) branch library loans household tools like ladders, wheelbarrows, and sewing machines.
Museums | Jun 1, 2018
The new Orange County Museum of Art will be Orange County’s largest center for arts and culture
Morphosis designed the building.
| May 24, 2018
Accelerate Live! talk: Security and the built environment: Insights from an embassy designer
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), embassy designer Tom Jacobs explores ways that provide the needed protection while keeping intact the representational and inspirational qualities of a design.
Cultural Facilities | Apr 16, 2018
Best in library design 2018: Six projects earn AIA/ALA library awards
Austin Central Library and the Tulsa City-County Central Library are among the top projects for 2018.
Performing Arts Centers | Feb 20, 2018
Citrus trees inspired the design of this half-billion-dollar performing arts center
SPF:architects designed the complex.
Cultural Facilities | Jan 23, 2018
BIG reveals revised Smithsonian Campus master plan
The original proposal was first unveiled in 2014.
Mixed-Use | Dec 12, 2017
A new live/work neighborhood is about to get under way in Omaha, Neb.
Walkability and recreation will be key features of West Farm.
Cultural Facilities | Nov 2, 2017
Perkins Eastman wins competition to redesign San Francisco’s Harvey Milk Plaza
The Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza unanimously selected the Perkins Eastman entry as the winner.
Museums | Oct 3, 2017
Denmark’s new LEGO experience hub looks like it’s made out of giant LEGO blocks
The 12,000-sm building is part of Billund, Denmark’s goal to become the ‘Capital for Children.’