Bao'an Cultural Complex, performing arts center in Shenzhen

In Shenzhen, China, the flagship of the Bao'an Cultural Complex has been inaugurated, the Performing Arts Center, an architectural icon overlooking the picturesque Quanhai Bay and the vast South China Sea: a perfect synthesis of contemporary design, tradition, and connection with the surrounding landscape.

A reference cultural center in Shenzhen

The Bao'an Cultural Complex, designed by Rocco Design Architects Associates, is located at the southern end of the Bao'An cultural district, in the heart of Shenzhen, and is the city's first performance venue to be scaled and equipped for international works. The 28,000 square meter building, with a capacity of 600 seats, is designed to host opera, dance, symphony, and theater performances. This project stands out as one of the most significant architectural projects in the region.

Seaside-Inspired Design

The seaside-inspired design reflects the long and narrow site on which it stands. The base of the building, characterized by a undulating volume, conveys a sense of rhythm and movement along the campus axis. The perforated facade recalls ancient Chinese craftsmanship, creating dramatic visual effects that evoke the sparkling light on the bay.

Contemporary envelope with traditional roots

The "canvas" envelope modulates transparency based on the spaces it encloses: openings are found in areas designated for the public and gathering spaces, while rehearsal rooms and theaters have a more opaque envelope. Despite the innovative formal and technical approach, the concept of the facade is inspired by screens of traditional Chinese buildings, reinterpreted in a contemporary way.

The Leaning Tower: An Iconic Landmark

A leaning tower tilted at 15 degrees from the vertical serves as an iconic landmark, marking the Center for Performing Arts as the focal point of the campus. Suspended bridges connect the tower to the main volume, offering breathtaking views of the bay. Gathering areas and elevated porticos line the base of the building, while a restaurant sits at the end of an inclined volume that extends into the square.

A dramatic and dynamic entrance

Visitors enter through a majestic triple-height hall, where a curved staircase and floating walls in wooden slats continue the undulating aesthetic of the exteriors. The perforated facade allows natural light to filter through, creating a lively and dynamic play of shadows that enriches the atmosphere and enhances the harmony between materials and spaces.

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Rocco Design Architects Associates

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