Rocks In A Stream

The performing arts centre by rocco design architects associates at the bao’an cultural district is the metaphorical translation of the water erosion process.

- Low Shi Ping

The gleaming metropolis of Shenzhen, China has added another architectural gem to its collection.

Known as the Performing Arts Centre at the Bao’An Cultural District, it is one of three buildings that complete the site by anchoring it on the southern end, fronting Quanhai Bay.

Functionally, it is home to the city’s first concert hall that has been equipped to stage opera, music and dance concerts, as well as a 600-seat venue and rehearsal facilities.

The master plan and architecture of the entire District were conceived by Rocco Design Architects Associates (RDA).

Despite the long and narrow frontage, RDA’s Principal Rocco Yim used it to his advantage and took inspiration from it.

The Performing Arts Centre’s form is made up of a base that is low-slung and with a wave-like volume that flows along the main axial line of the District.

Rising up at a 15-degree angle off the vertical and perpendicular to it is a fly tower that grandly commands this building as the focal point of the District.

A skybridge links it to main volume and walking along it offers an aerial view of Quanhai Bay.

Much of the façade is covered in a delicately perforated envelope, rooted in traditional Chinese building screens and shadow walls.

On its own, it resembles light shimmering on water but also modulates the transparency of the spaces it wraps, such as the lobbies and performance spaces.

Yim provides more insights on this striking project.