Living

Huangshan Community Theatre, China

Brief

In late 2009, Keppie was approached by the Yuanyi Group from mainland China and asked to consider ideas for a community theatre as part of a developing mixed-use masterplan in Huangshan.  Our initial concept of the 'glass jewel box' set about creating a foundation for a more contemporary, yet still fundamentally Chinese building to emerge. The surrounding buildings for the theatre employ a more 'international' style with only subtle hints at traditional detail and decoration.  They are all part of a relatively low rise mixed use district comprising mainly retail, restaurant and leisure facilities. The Brief was developed in collaboration with Mr Chen Weiya, Assistant Director for the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.

Response

In our view the opportunities presented by the theatre and its relationship to its community required a well mannered response rather than one which would feel at odds with its developing context. Contemporary Chinese architecture is now characterised by a willingness to experiment both in design and materials. The re-interpretation of multiple cultural influences and contexts by a new generation of architects and students who have travelled and worked in Europe and the USA, makes China an exciting place in which to work.  Our developing design concept for the theatre refers to this shift by beginning with a traditional Chinese design language and re-interpreting it through contemporary forms, expressed in modern technologies and material uses.

Outcome

As the design has developed from its original glass box concept we have worked on the articulation of this very simple but powerful geometry by introducing the time-honoured materials of Chinese craftsmanship: brick, wood and paper. Our aspirations are for the interior environment to be a logical extension of the external public realm where the sense of excitement and vibrancy increases.  Interior architecture is developing its own complimentary style with materials and the animation of surfaces central to the richly contrasting characters between spaces.

Team