Located in Chenjiagou, Wen County, Henan Province, where is the cradle of Chinese Tai Chi Chuan, the project is an iconic modern theatre. The theater could accommodate 1200 people. Since the existing architecture on its south and north sides respectively have incongruous styles, the design transforms architectural structures into the landscape that the architecture well integrates with landscape, which seems to be out of sight. 

The façade is made of mirrored stainless steel that sky can be reflected on the façade, hence better getting involved with the environment. The annex of base uses rubble concrete as the main material and the interior space is built around the center courtyard, all of which are inspired by the traditional Chinese courtyard. 
The design of exterior environment creates landscape layout according to the undulating terrain and road network. Large areas of grassy slopes are set at the roof and the surrounding, making the whole architecture seem like a natural extension of the ground. Therefore, an interesting and open “3D park” creates a harmonious and funny relationship between human and architecture.

Different from the pattern of auditorium and stage partitions in traditional theaters, Tai Chi Theater adopts an interactive performance mode integrating viewing and performance, and sets the stage in the center of the theater. The audience participates and becomes part of the performance while enjoying the performance up close.

Team:

Architects: Architectural Design & Research Institute 

Photographer: Zhan Changheng