^{Image courtesy of Studio Pei-Zhou}

Studio Pei-Zhu Unveils Plans for Performing Arts Center in Dali, China

Studio Pei-Zhu has unveiled plans for the Yang Liping Performing Arts Center in Dali, Yunnan, China. Located at a low latitude and high elevation, Dali features a dramatic terrain and a unique climate that create a boundless relationship between earth and sky. The project site is located in the heart of this landscape, on a fertile plateau between the Cangshan mountain range and Erhai lake.

^{Image courtesy of Studio Pei-Zhou}

In designing the Performing Arts Center, Studio Pei-Zhu has drawn inspiration from these natural variations in landscape and climate, employing a large canopy roof and a flowing form to invite users into the complex. Graded topography and grassy hills draw theatergoers into an interior plaza, A “theater box” opens onto the plaza, transforming the space into an interior-exterior performance area. The blurred boundary between indoor/outdoor and landscape/stage also work to erase the psychological boundaries between performer and spectator.

^{Image courtesy of Studio Pei-Zhou}

The entire building itself is performative and accessible, as the building slopes down to create a stairway leading from the interior plaza to the building roof, opening up casual public space featuring views of the surrounding terrain. The building’s materiality evokes the spirit of the surrounding mountains, while its unique woven facade allows light to penetrate into and through the building. Construction on the Yang Liping Performing Arts Center is currently underway, with an expected completion date coming in 2017.

more. studiopeizhu.com