gmp International GmbH

Tianjin Grand Theater

Tianjin Grand Theater
© Christian Gahl

TIANJIN GRAND THEATER

Gmp Architects

ARCHITECTS
Gmp Architects

PHOTOGRAPHS
Christian Gahl

YEAR
2009

LOCATION
Tianjin, China

CATEGORY
Theaters & Performance

Text description provided by architect.

The Grand Theater occupies the key position in the newly built Culture Park of Tianjin. The circular shape of the roof construction corresponds with the existing Museum of Natural History so that an architectural dialogue of an earth-bound and a “floating” circular volume is created to both ends of the park.

Tianjin Grand Theater
© Christian Gahl
Tianjin Grand Theater
© Christian Gahl

Earth and sky represent a fundamental thinking in Chinese philosophy.

The roof volume of the Grand Theater opens up toward the broad water surface like an open sea shell. Opera hall, concert hall and the small multifunctional hall are exposed to the water surface like pearls inside this shell.

Tianjin Grand Theater
© Christian Gahl
Tianjin Grand Theater
© Christian Gahl

The three venues are conceived as free standing volumes on a stone base.

Broad stairways connect the stone base with the raised plaza creating a kind of stage for urban life which overlooks the lake and the Culture Park.

Vehicular traffic is avoided on the water side. Drop-offs are located to the north and south whilst bus stops are situated along a dwelling mound to the east of the building. All internal areas are located within the base so that an unobstructed internal circulation is achieved.

Tianjin Grand Theater
© Christian Gahl
Tianjin Grand Theater
© Christian Gahl

The roof construction is a transformation of the traditional Chinese element of multiple eaves and thus defines a system of common horizontal layers, which creates an architectural entity of roof, facade and stone base.


Tianjin Grand Theater
Sección


Tianjin Grand Theater
Planta
Tianjin Grand Theater
Emplazamiento

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