Theatre Design

Location: Shijingshan District, Beijing, China
Time: Mar. 2018- May 2018
Studio Critic: Xin Ma, Chunxi Zhao
Project in collaboration with: Yaning Xie

Following the shutdown of Shougang’s industrial operations, the site is being transformed into a hub for leisure and creative industries, and served as the venue for the ski jumping competition during the Winter Olympic Games. The proposed theater is located within Shougang Industrial Park, positioned at a railway intersection with an open water surface to the north.

Inspired by the imagery of mountains and rivers, the architectural form adopts a continuous folded line that flows from the façade to the roof, echoing the surrounding industrial and natural context. The design retains the texture of the original factory, while functional areas are divided based on the spatial logic of “point, line, and surface.” The form of the auditorium and stage corresponds directly to their programmatic roles, with the north wall intentionally deformed to accommodate entrance and exit circulation. A series of zigzag staircases on this façade visually respond to the iconic New Shougang Bridge nearby.

The overall spatial composition plays with rhythm and contrast—alternating between solid and void—to create a dynamic visual experience. Outdoor spaces are defined through enclosed volumes and semi-open “gray spaces” beneath cantilevered structures. Inside, careful attention to sightlines is expressed through the use of a suspended grid and elevated viewing platforms, enhancing both the spatial depth and the audience’s sensory engagement.