OPEN architecture unveils fluid and floating yichang grand theater along yangtze river

the winning design by open architecture

International practice OPEN Architecture unveils its winning design proposal for the Yichang Grand Theater, a partially floating performing arts center situated in Yichang, China, at the junction of the Yangtze River and Huangbai River. The project will have a building area of approximately 70,000 square meters, and will house a 1600-seat grand theater, a 1200-seat concert hall, a 400-seat black box, and two outdoor theaters, including one on the rooftop and another by the water. Additionally, the building will feature educational facilities, event and exhibition spaces, rehearsal rooms, coffee shops, restaurants, and observation decks, offering visitors an all-inclusive and open experience.

all images © OPEN Architecture, unless otherwise stated

the fluid form on the river

According to the team at OPEN Architecture, the fluid form of the grand theater reflects the movement and energy of water, mountains, clouds, and mist. The architecture has been designed to weave in and out of various elements, including internal organizations, environmental conditions, and public spaces, with the aim of achieving a state of balance and inclusiveness. The grand theater has been constructed with the aim of being a contributing member to the sustainable development of the area, and various passive and active strategies have been adopted to ensure that the building is environmentally responsible.

‘The design of the grand theater draws inspiration from the spirit of water that defines the city of Yichang,’ says OPEN’s founding partner, Mr. Li Hu. ‘Water may seem soft yet it can have infinite strength—just read the gorges carved by the mighty river. Water is the soul of this unique city.’

the performative facade

The Yichang Grand Theater by OPEN Architecture will feature a dynamic and performative facade that is rich with expressions, punctured by openings of various shapes. The exterior surface of the building will have curved, matte anodized aluminum tubes, capturing the subtle interplays of light and shadow throughout the day.

The inland-facing section is enclosed by a double-layered — an inner layer designed with stacked geometry to cater to internal functional requirements, and an outer layer of aluminum tubes that align with the overall building design. The spacing between the two layers varies, resulting in several in-between spaces such as a semi-outdoor garden and cascading terraced gardens. These spaces serve to regulate the building’s microclimate.

a grand space for everyone in yichang

OPEN Architecture designs its Yichang Grand Theater as a partially floating volume, lifting major functional spaces high above the ground to allow the natural progression from the mountainous inland to the waterfront, while creating opportunities for artists to interact with the public. The theater will be a grand public space for everyone, featuring a winding public promenade that connects the ground-level water theater, the rooftop outdoor theater, and the observation deck at the top. The promenade and outdoor public spaces will be open to everyone, bringing a futuristic spectacle and the unique bay scenery to all.

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area plan

sustainability diagram | © Arup

diagrams

model photos

model photos

project info:

project title: Yichang Grand Theater

architecture, interior, and landscape design: Open Architecture | @open.architecture

location: Yichang, Hubei Province, China

client: Yichang Urban Construction Investment and Development Co., Ltd

building area: 70,000 square meters
site area: 40,000 square meters

status: Schematic Design

principals in charge: Li Hu, Huang Wenjing
project team: Liu Xiaoyang, Shou Chengbin, Cao Mengxing, Zhou Zilin, Liu Xuanyu, Xu Jiayue, Chen Yichao, Tao Weijie, Jia Han, Wang Qirui
theater consultant: Ducks Scéno
structure engineer: Guy Nordenson And Associates
MEP engineer: Link Engineering Consultant
sustainability, climate engineering consultant: Arup
façade consultant: RFR
acoustic consultant: JH Theater Architecture Design Consulting Company