Stunning Chinese theater wrapped in tattoo-inspired facade

Steven Chilton Architects recently completed a new theater in Guangzhou, China, that draws inspiration from tattoo art. This is not represented in the mundane "Steve loves Lucy forever" type of ink, but instead a stunning bright red facade that depicts a phoenix, cranes, cockerels and other birds.

Named the Sunac Guangzhou Grand Theatre, the project also draws inspiration from silk by way of the area's historic connection to the Silk Road. Structurally, the facade comprises thousands of perforated aluminum panels which are supported by a series of steel tubes connected to a concrete superstructure supporting the theater floors. The facade detailing, meanwhile, was influenced by the local myth "100 Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix."

"Using illustrations created by artist Zhang Hongfei, SCA digitized and interpreted his hand drawings before mapping each figure onto the surface geometry." explains the press release. "We developed a compositional style inspired by tattoo art aesthetics. Each figure was positioned on the 'body' of the theatre over a series of studies in response to the topology of the surface geometry. Whilst significant figures like the Phoenix were positioned where the form afforded prominence, lesser figures such as birds, were organically and less consciously arranged in the spaces between."

The interior design was led by Dragone, with theater consultant Auerbach Pollock Friedlander, and has a capacity of 2,000 people. While it can be used for typical productions, it's also a good fit for more elaborate shows with water effects.

At its center is a deep pool with an automated stage lift and three underwater scenery storage areas used to store large props and scenic elements. Additionally, 360-degree overhead LED screens are installed on the ceiling to help offer an immersive experience for the audience.

The theater is scheduled to open to the public in 2021.

Source: Steven Chilton Architects