Completing a 110,000 square metre cultural complex in Shenzhen, the Bao’An Performing Arts Centre on Quinhai Bay houses the city’s first performance hall for international operas. 

Rocco Design Architects Associates realised the masterplan of buildings for the Bao’An Cultural District, featuring an already completed library and cultural centre, to enliven a newly developed coastal area of Shenzhen and strengthen the ecological shoreline. 

Positioned at the southern end of the complex, the Bao’An Performing Arts Centre overlooks the South China Sea and its wave-like volume mirrors the water’s rippled movement. Its fly tower, tilted at 15 degrees off the vertical, creates an intentional point of orientation and marks it as a focal point of the complex. 

With undoubtedly the best views over the bay, the impressive sky bridges connect the tower with the main volume whilst offering visitors a moment to pause and soak up the surrounding waterfront and atmosphere from the plaza below. This sense of height can also be appreciated inside where a soaring triple-height lobby excites visitors at the entrance, leading through to a grand curving staircase that sweeps around the building. 

A curved and undulating aesthetic flows throughout, with billowing walls finished with wooden slats to bring a softness and warmth to the interiors. Through the perforated façade, natural light filters in to the open space and creates playful shadows.

The main performance hall is designed and engineered to host high-profile productions of opera, classical music, and ballet. This stunning space is complemented by a 600-seat theatre, with easily rearranged seating to accommodate experimental productions such as immersive and interactive theatre experiences.

source:world architects, enkimagazine