zaha hadid: guangzhou opera house update

‘guangzhou opera house’ by zaha hadid, guangdong province, china image © iwan baan

zaha hadid‘s guangzhou opera house is now open in guangdong province, china. featuring two separate forms that seem to puzzle together, the project serves as a gateway to the city, enhancing urban functions and opening access to the nearby river and docks. combining cultural traditions with a contemporary approach, the structure has become a catalyst for new cultural initiatives and advancement in the area. located in the heart of guangzhou’s cultural development, the faceted glass, concrete and steel structure provides visual connection to the buildings and the pearl river that surround it.

public space between the two volumes image © iwan baan

derived from contours that occur within the natural landscape, the building features undulating and curvaceous forms that move along with visitors as they navigate through the space. interior volumes become dramatic environments that directly relate to the circumventing landscape through vast spans of glazing.

detail of facade image © iwan baan

a 1,800 seat auditorium utilizes the latest acoustic technology and is accompanied by a smaller 400-seat multi-purpose hall that is designed for performance art, opera and concerts. see more on the opera house here.

image © hufton and crow