ennead's shenzhen performing arts center will occupy two golden volumes

the people’s performing arts center

ennead architects presents its winning entry in an international competition for a new performing arts center in shenzhen. the project takes the name ‘the people’s performing arts center’ and will stand as a new icon signifying the development of the city into a major cultural destination in china. the sculptural building will stand as part of a larger master plan in shenzhen’s futian district. together with an exhibition hall and culture center, the plan will integrate community-driven elements into the technology-driven city.

visualizations by plomp | @plo.mp

the two golden volumes

ennead architects’ ‘people’s performing arts center’ in shenzhen is defined by its two golden organic volumes which softly nestle together. the design team notes that these two soft forms represent the dichotomy of the city’s traditions and its future. these two golden volumes house multilevel atriums, the ‘dream theater’ and the ‘star concert hall’ (see a cross-section in the image gallery below).

the volumes are partially enclosed within a translucent and luminous encasement, a dynamic structure which transforms with the changing weather and passing time. overall, the building signifies visual and formal flows, displaying the open circulation of visitors inside while echoing the waterfront nearby.

ennead architects in shenzhen

the project’s designer stephen P-D chu AIA, principal at ennead architects comments on the winning performing arts center: ‘shenzhen is a place of rapid transformation and incredible energy. when we conceived the design for this city, we wanted to create something emblematic of its vitality that is celebratory and welcoming — the two ‘jewels’ are both expressive of the creative power of performance, and reflective, engaging with the civic life outside.’

the volumes are partially enclosed within a translucent and luminous encasement
two soft forms represent the dichotomy of the city’s traditions and its future