Designed as a creative hub within one of the world’s most dynamic regions, the centre is at the heart of Zhuhai’s Jinwan district. Integrating three distinct cultural institutions for the city (a Performing Arts Centre with a 1200-seat Grand Theatre and a 500-seat Black Box theatre; a Science Centre; and an Art Museum) each venue within the centre incorporates unique characteristics, yet all are united by formal and structural logic. Echoing the chevron patterns of migratory birds flying in formation over southern China, the latticed steel canopies sheltering each venue are configured through repetition, symmetry and scale variation. This repetition optimised pre-fabrication, pre-assembly and modular construction. The centre’s landscaping and lake are integral elements of Zhuhai’s ‘sponge city’ initiative that targets the natural permeation, storage and re-use of 70% of the city’s rainwater using aquatic flora to naturally filter contaminants. Located in southern China’s subtropical climate, the double-insulated glazing of the building’s envelope is optimized for thermal performance and protected by the roof canopy which incorporates perforated aluminium panels for solar shading.
