latticed-steel zhuhai jinwan civic art centre by zaha hadid architects opens in china

Zhuhai Jinwan Civic Art Centre inaugurated in china

After more than two years of development, the Zhuhai Jinwan Civic Art Centre by Zaha Hadid Architects is now complete and inaugurated in China. This major new cultural venue involves the integration of four distinct institutions: a 1,200-seat grand theater; a 500-seat multi-functional hall, a science center; and an art museum. Arranged symmetrically, the venues are connected by a central plaza that serves as a shared external foyer surrounded by glazed walls that promote transparency and a sense of openness. It is at the heart of Aviation New City, an urbanisation with a built area of 4.78 million sqm housing 100,000 residents and incorporating new civic, cultural, academic and commercial infrastructure within Zhuhai’s Jinwan district.

all images © Virgile Simon Bertrand

zaha hadid architects’ latticed steel canopies evoke avian flow

The Zhuhai Jinwan Civic Art Centre by Zaha Hadid Architects (see more here) features latticed steel canopies inspired by migratory bird patterns, catering to diverse functions in its design. The interconnected spaces create a vibrant plaza while maximizing natural light for intuitive navigation. Specific venues within the center, like the Grand Theatre, Art Museum, and Science Centre, are tailored to their purposes—offering optimal acoustics, adaptable exhibition spaces, and interactive scientific showcases. The center, spanning 270m x 170m, integrates environmental considerations with its design, featuring rainwater filtration, thermal insulation, solar shading, and energy-efficient systems, aiming for high sustainability standards in construction and operations. 

You can head to designboom’s previous feature for the full story and concept behind the centre. 

the project is located at the heart ofJjinwan district’s western ecological new town

the center’s distinctive roof structure unites the different venues under a network of reticulated shells

Zhuhai Jinwan Civic Art Centre aerial view

the latticed steel canopies are configured through repetition, symmetry and scale variation

official inauguration in China

the public plaza is defined by interconnecting bridges and voids

creating engaging civic spaces for people to enjoy throughout the day

the design optimizes natural light in all public areas and enhances connectivity

a 1,200-seat grand theater

close-up shot of the theater

the landscaping and surrounding lake are designed as integral elements within the ‘sponge city’ initiative

aerial view of the civic centre

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project info:

name: Zhuhai Jinwan Civic Art Centre

location: Zhuhai, China

architect: Zaha Hadid Architects | @zahahadidarchitects

design: Zaha Hadid and Patrik Schumacher

project directors: Satoshi Ohashi, Charles Walker

project associate directors: Lydia Kim, Yang Jingwen 

project associates: Mei-Ling Lin, Aurora Santana (SD)
project leads: Mei-Ling Lin, Elena Scripelliti

project core team: Armando Bussey, Reza Karimi, Julian Lin

project CA team: Qi Cao, Kai-Jui Tsao, Mei-Ling Lin, Juan Liu, Yuling Ma, Feifei Fan

project team: Armando Bussey, Marius Cernica, Grace Chung, Nelli Denisova, Xuexin Duan, Kaloyan Erevinov, Nassim Eshaghi, Kate Hunter, Yang Jingwen, Reza Karimi, Ben Kikkawa, Lydia Kim, Julian Lin, Mei-Ling Lin, Valeria Mazzilli, Sareh Mirseyed Nazari, Massimo Napoleoni, Yevgeniya Pozigun, Cao Qi, Qiuyu Zhao, Aurora Santana, Hannes Schafelner, Michael Sims, Patrik Schumacher, Sharan Sundar, Maria Touloupou, Chao Wei, Charles Walker

competition team: Armando Bussey, Clara Martins, Cristiano Ceccato, Charles Walker, Ed Gaskin, Filippo Nassetti, Jinqi Huang, Juan Liu, Lydia Kim, Julian Lin, Satoshi Ohashi, Paulo Flores, Harry Spraiter, Patrick Schumacher, Houzhe Xu, Simon Yu

local design institute: Beijing Institute Of Architecture & Design South China Centre

photographer: Virgile Simon Bertrand

consultants —

landscape consultant: Beijing Institute Of Architecture & Design (South China Centre)

acoustic consultant: East China Architectural Design & Research Institute (Acoustic & Theatre Special Design & Research Division)

facade consultant: Zhuhai City Honghai Curtain Wall

interior consultant: Shenzhen Z&F Culture Construction

amplify consultant: Radio, Film & Tv Design And Research Institute

signage consultant: W&T Design
lighting consultant: Shenzhen Global Lighting Technology 
theater consultant: Shanghai Deyi Engineering Technology 

BIM consultant: Beijing BIMTechnologie

green building & structural consultant: Guangdong JORJUN Green Building Technology

fire consultant: Beijing Institute of Architecture & Design (South China Centre)

contractors —

general contractor: MCC City Investment Holding

facade contractor: Shenzhen Sanxin Technology Development

landscape contractor: Zhuhai Wuyue Landscape Engineering

interior contractor: Shenzhen Weiye Decoration Group

GFA below ground: 51,646 sqm 

GFA above ground: 48,432 sqm 

height: 35 meters