02-09-2013, 09:06 PM
The smooth, angular exterior of China's newest opera house, designed by Zaha Hadid and situated beside the Pearl River in Guangzhou, suggests two rocks eroded by flowing water. The 70,000 sq m project thus consisted of two solid geometric forms wrapped with a structural exoskeleton. The two components, with their similar form, color and shared structural expression, create a strong artistic expression to house the cultural center. Hadid’s angular exterior intentions are carried through the interiors, shaping dynamic gathering spaces and interstitial spaces. For the main auditorium, Hadid’s concept has manifested itself in the form of fluid ribbons that wrap the main stage. Inside one is a 400-capacity multipurpose performance space. The other houses a theatre that seats 1,800. Spread over 70,000sq m, the $200 million building is one of the largest asymmetrical structures in the world and possibly one of the most complex. It was made up of 12,000 tons of precision-cut steel shapes, joined together using bespoke steel joints. Engineers used lasers to position components The flowing surfaces of the balconies and the walls prevent sound bouncing around the interior, overlapping and creating so-called 'early reflections'. Constellations of white LEDs beneath the concrete balconies enhance the visual spectacle of the building too. The building has supported splendid and amazing interior space to connect opera hall, multi-purpose hall and some other functional space as an integrated architecture. It totally support architect’s design concept and develop an extraordinary and spectacular architectural form. It has also achieved the ultimate fluid space to deal with the complexities of the demanding acoustic engineering, and also the complicated programming requirements that allow for a variety of events and performances in the building and maintained a mutual integration of interior and exterior lighting. In the grand entrance hall, windows composed of triangular pieces of glass let in sunlight by day and the neighborhood’s neon-lit skyscrapers and towers by night. Another remarkable feature is that it had successfully achieved vibration isolation and noise reduction to ensure the perfect acoustic quality. Circulation through the interior of the building is guided by the spine and structural frame. The many levels provide views into the main atrium space, giving a sense of connection and orientation within the building. Custom moulded glass-fibre reinforced gypsum (GFRC) units used for the interior of the auditorium continue the architectural language of fluidity and seamlessness.