This project is a collaboration between Asima Architects (Project Implementation) and Beijing Institute of Architectural Design (Concept & Design).
The 11th of the Impression China series and the first outside of China, Encore Melaka sits majestically along the Straits of Melaka. Boasting a 2,000 pax rotating audience seat and 4 mesmerizing stages, the theatre opened its doors in July 2018.
It was the designer’s intention to have an iconic building located next to the Straits of Melaka, as this was an important historical trade route between East and West, and their influence is apparent in the many heritage left in Melaka today. The building also signifies the long trade relationship that Malaysia has with China since the 1400s.
The external marine blue walls and the contrasting white façade represents one of the main items traded between China and the Malay Peninsular in the 15th century – Blue & White Porcelain. The white of the Porcelain is represented by the Aluminium Composite Panels, forming a pristine crisp white object by the coast. While the blue accents are evident throughout the building, from the back walls to the interiors.
The Aluminium Composite Panels façade is cantilevered 3 meters from the building a creates a protective skin against heavy rain and strong wind from the straits.
With its eye-catching parabolic-curved LED panels, the unexpected colours form a pleasant break between the calming white panels.
Audiences enter the theatre through a fluid pyramid like structure and takes the escalator up to 1st Floor. There they will be greeted by a rich blue circular raked seating. The performance combines the 360-degree rotating seat structure with 4 different stage to create an immersive experience for the audiences.
One floor below the stage houses the box office, public amenities, administrative office and the mechanical rooms for the stage. The wide internal corridors are naturally ventilated maximizing the constant breeze from the Straits of Melaka.
2nd and 3rd floor is where the light, stereo and water effect control rooms are located.
Material Used :
1. Facade cladding: Aluminium Composite Panels
2. Flooring: Concrete
3. Doors: Timber Doors
4. Windows: Powder Coated Aluminium framed glass
5. Roofing: Swissma Colourbond Ultra
