Zhejiang Shaoxing Shangyu District Cao’e River
Culture and Art Centre,
design: Zaha Hadid Architects
Studio Zaha Hadid Architects has been selected to design the Culture and Arts Center on the Cao'e River in China's Zhejiang Province. The facility will become an integral part of a newly emerging cultural district in the city of Shaoxing, Shangyu District.
Cultural and Art Center on the Cao "e River in China's Zhejiang Province - the facility will become an integral part of a newly emerging cultural district in Shangyu District, Shaoxing City
Visualization: Proloog © Zaha Hadid Architects
multifunctional complex
in the heart of Shaoxing
The complex is planned as a dedicated venue for a variety of artistic events - both local and international. The space will be suitable for opera, dance, drama, symphony concerts and musicals. The facility will include, among other things, a main theater hall with a capacity of 1,400 spectators, and a multi-purpose black-box hall with an audience of 500. In addition to space for the performing arts, the building will house an art and education center, a conference center, a heritage museum and a digital art gallery.
Cultural and Art Center on the Cao "e River in Zhejiang Province, China - inside will be multiple courtyards
visualization: Atchain © Zaha Hadid Architects
composition of solids and organic forms
in the building's design
From a bird's-eye view, the project will feature two interconnected volumes - one in an L-shape and the other resembling a T-shape. The building will be distinguished by corrugated roofs with wide eaves. Their rounded, organic shapes will provide shade for the fully glazed facades. The complex will include numerous courtyards.
Cultural and Art Center on the Cao "e River in Zhejiang Province, China - aerial view
visualization: Atchain © Zaha Hadid Architects
Celadon ceramics: the tradition of the Song Dynasty
in modern architecture
Taking inspiration from the region's traditions, including its distinctive glazed tile roofs, the architects plan to use Celadon ceramics in a pale green color to cover the complex's roofs. The ceramics originate from Zhejiang province and hark back to a tradition dating back to the early Song Dynasty, more than 1,200 years ago. The combination of historical materials and modern architectural solutions will give the building a cultural identity, integrating the heritage of the past with the requirements of the 21st century.
Cultural and Art Center on the Cao "e River in Zhejiang Province, China
Visualization: Proloog © Zaha Hadid Architects
Inspired by tradition and local crafts
The design will allow for dance and theater performances in both courtyards and foyers. The composition of the roofs, harmonized with the riverside landscape, will give the center a modern yet recognizable character, referring to the historical architectural elements of the region.
Cultural and Art Center on the Cao "e River in Zhejiang Province, China - the space will be suitable for opera, dance, drama, symphony concerts and musicals.
Visualization: Tegmark © Zaha Hadid Architects
sustainable architectural solutions
Sustainability is an integral part of Zaha Hadid Architects' projects. Sloping roofs with wide eaves will act as protection from excessive sunlight, which will help maintain a comfortable temperature inside the buildings. Built-in photovoltaic panels on the roofs will make it possible to harvest solar energy, which will help reduce the need for electricity from the municipal grid.
Cultural and Art Center on the Cao "e River in Zhejiang Province, China - bird's eye view
visualization: Proloog © Zaha Hadid Architects
The center will be surrounded by recreational spaces that will allow Shaoxing residents to spend time outdoors. No start or completion dates have been announced at this time.
Compiled by Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects.
