Xiqu Centre / Revery Architecture + RLP

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  • Principals In Charge: Venelin Kokalov, Bing Thom
  • Directors: Earle Briggs, Francis Yan, Ling Meng, Giles Hall, Johnnie Kuo, Kyle Chan, Daniel Gasser, Marcos Hui, April Wong, Culum Osbourne, Bibianka Fehr, Nicole Hu, Elaine Tong, Charles Leman, Chun Choy, Brian Ackerman, Ryan Shaban, Chapman Chan, Vuk Krcmar-Grkavac
  • Façade Consultants: Front Inc
  • Theatre Consultants: Fisher Dachs Associates
  • Signage Consultant: 2x4
  • Structure Engineering: Buro Happold
  • Civil Geotechnical: Atkins
  • Country: Hong Kong (SAR)
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Xiqu Centre / Revery Architecture + RLP - Image 5 of 49
© Ema Peter

Text description provided by the architects. Xiqu Centre is Hong Kong’s prestigious new home for traditional Chinese opera. With its dramatic curvilinear façade and reinterpretation of the customary Chinese Moon Gate motif, Xiqu Centre creates a stunning landmark entrance as the gateway to the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD), the city’s new precinct for arts and culture. Conceived as a cultural sanctuary; blending theatre, art, and a dynamic public realm, this iconic 7-storey performance venue is dedicated to promoting the rich heritage of Xiqu—Chinese opera, the primary genre of indigenous Chinese theatre—and to the production, education and research of this unique and traditional art form.

Xiqu Centre / Revery Architecture + RLP - Stairs
© Ema Peter

Xiqu Centre’s glowing façade—reminiscent of a lantern shimmering behind a beaded stage curtain—comprises a modular system of scaled fins CNC-cut from untreated marine-grade aluminum pipe and arrayed in alternating patterns along the building. The façade’s woven metal panels are gently pulled back like curtains at all four corners of the building, radiating light to the exterior and enticing a vibrant free-flow of visitors in and out of the interior courtyard to enjoy exhibitions, stalls, demonstrations and workshops dedicated to promoting Xiqu’s rich heritage.

Xiqu Centre / Revery Architecture + RLP - Cityscape
© Ema Peter

“Qi” (meaning flow) is expressed throughout the complex with curvilinear paths and forms and arched entrances designed around a mesmerizing, multi-level circular atrium. The innovative design decision to suspend Xiqu Centre’s breathtaking 1,073-seat Grand Theatre at the top of the building 90 feet (27 metres) off the ground, facilitates internal configuration of the atrium and public plaza while strategically isolating the auditorium from vibration and the high ambient noise levels of its surrounding urban infrastructure. This inventive design move was hugely beneficial in enabling construction to safely occur within and below the theatre simultaneously, resulting in a reduced construction timeline.

Xiqu Centre / Revery Architecture + RLP - Facade
© Ema Peter
Xiqu Centre / Revery Architecture + RLP - Image 39 of 49
Cutaway perspective
Xiqu Centre / Revery Architecture + RLP - Cityscape
© Ema Peter

Flanked by two outdoor sky gardens offering visitors panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, the elevated theatre creates space beneath for a 200-seat Tea House theatre, rehearsal studios, education and administrative spaces, lecture rooms and retail areas overlooking the naturally-ventilated  inner courtyard. Xiqu Centre opened in January 2019 and is a world-class performance venue that respectfully embraces the cultural richness of Chinese opera within a magnificent contemporary expression, making it accessible to new audiences and future generations as it continues to thrive and evolve with modern technology.

Xiqu Centre / Revery Architecture + RLP - Image 3 of 49
© Ema Peter

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Address:Hong Kong (SAR)

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About this office
Cite: "Xiqu Centre / Revery Architecture + RLP" 14 Mar 2019. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/912940/xiqu-centre-revery-architecture> ISSN 0719-8884

© Ema Peter

香港戏曲中心 / Revery Architecture + RLP

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