Architecture studios Schmidt Hammer Lassen and Perkins&Will have completed a multifunctional art centre in Beijing, inspired by the shape of a granary that once occupied the site.
Location and Design Inspiration
Situated in the Tongzhou district in east Beijing, China, the centre is near the starting point of the 2,500-year-old Grand Canal. It includes an opera house, a theatre, and a concert hall, all reflecting the area’s historical significance.
A Cultural Granary
“We think of this project as a ‘container of culture’,” said Chris Hardie, design director of Schmidt Hammer Lassen’s Shanghai office and lead architect of the project, designed in collaboration with Perkins&Will’s Shanghai studio. The centre aims to be a cultural hub, likened to a ‘cultural granary’ carrying local and global culture.
Architectural Elements and Facade Design
The centre comprises three buildings with swooping roof structures inspired by the ancient granary that once stood by the Grand Canal. Their folding facades resemble the sails of old canal boats and the movement of theatre curtains. A shared platform connects the three volumes, extending the interior to the landscape and offering a viewing point of the Grand Canal.
Distinctive Features of the Buildings
“Each container has its own characteristics closely integrated with its function,” said project director Chen Chao. For instance, the opera house’s design considers acoustic requirements, while all three buildings are connected like lanterns lit by art along the Grand Canal.
Sustainable Design and Permeable Landscape
The centre features perforated triangular aluminium panels that provide external shading, enhancing the facade’s thermal performance by 20% compared to local standards. The green landscape and permeable pavement create a “sponge” that absorbs and stores rainwater, reflecting sustainable design principles.
Connectivity and Additional Facilities
The art centre is accessible via an underground subway station, which also hosts additional facilities including a theatre, a library, a museum, parking, and retail and dining areas. Sunken gardens guide visitors to the shared platform, leading them to the main buildings.
Hosting Performances and Cultural Activities
The Beijing Art Centre is expected to host nearly a thousand performances and activities annually, making it a significant cultural venue in Beijing.
Photography: Zhu Yumeng
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