Zaha Hadid Architects has revealed its design for the Zhejiang Shaoxing Shangyu District Cao’e River Culture and Art Centre in China. Set on the banks of the Cao’e River, the sweeping structure is poised to become the centrepiece of a cultural quarter in Shaoxing’s Shangyu District.
A Hub for Arts and Culture
The centre will host a variety of local and international performances, including opera, theatre, dance, and drama. It features:
- A 1,400-seat grand theatre
- A 7,500-square-metre heritage museum
- A 10,000-square-metre art gallery
- A 500-seat multifunctional hall
- A 2,900-square-metre arts and education centre
- A 3,000-square-metre conference centre
Unified by sweeping interconnected roofs, the building offers a “highly recognisable silhouette” while creating inviting spaces for both performance and community gathering.
Design Inspired by Heritage
The design incorporates tiled roofs inspired by ancient Celadon ceramics, a hallmark of the region’s heritage. The studio described this as a “contemporary articulation” of traditional materials, blending innovation with a connection to the past.
Wide roof overhangs provide shading for the glass facades, while photovoltaic panels integrated into the design will contribute to the building’s energy efficiency.
Natural and Social Integration
Outdoor courtyards filled with greenery will surround the centre, creating spaces for relaxation and interaction. These courtyards flow into terraced landscapes that connect directly with the city, offering Shaoxing’s residents natural parklands along the river.
Inside, the flowing design of the curved exterior continues, with winding staircases and raised walkways providing circulation. Wooden details will complement the organic design, adding warmth to the interiors.
A Cultural Landmark for the Future
Zaha Hadid Architects envisions the centre as a dynamic space that embodies the region’s artistic traditions while looking to the future.
“In this way, traditional materials and innovative architecture are integrated coherently, defining a 21st-century cultural building with a direct connection to the region’s ancient past,” the studio said.
