Theater

The unique perspective just a few astronauts have ever seen of Earth from outer space, and the way in which it impacts them, is known as the Overview Effect. Now, specially built theaters and a new film will bring the same experience to the masses.

Looking like some kind of strange alien spaceship has landed in Yichang, China, this theater is the latest head-turning project from OPEN Architecture. Its unusual exterior features a flowing design that's inspired by nearby rivers.

Following 10 years of construction, OMA's ambitious Taipei Performing Arts Center has now finally been completed. The eye-catching building takes the form of a large cube, with three bulging theaters protruding out from it.

The UK's Steven Chilton Architects recently completed a new theater in Guangzhou, China, that draws inspiration from tattoo art. This is represented in a stunning bright red facade based around a traditional Chinese myth.

After losing millions pushing an unsustainable business model, the disruptive startup MoviePass is calling it quits, but major US theaters are taking notes.

BIG and Freaks Architecture has completed a new cultural center in Bordeaux. There are several interesting aspects of the design, including a sheltered outdoor space called the "urban living room" and a "periscope" that allows diners in a restaurant to gaze upon the people outside, and vice-versa.

MAD Architects has been commissioned to produce a new theater in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, China. The building will be located on the banks of a river and its design is inspired by traditional local boats, complete with glass "sails" that serve as a canopy.

Revery Architecture recently completed work on a performing arts center in Hong Kong's Kowloon Cultural District. The Xiqu Centre features a striking facade made up of curved aluminum that envelops​ glazing. The firm likens the effect to a lantern shimmering behind a beaded stage curtain.

Anyone who watches TV will be familiar with subtitles for those with hearing loss, but what if you want to go see a play in town? The UK's National Theatre has launched a new service that will allow hard of hearing audience members to see the dialog on stage by donning a pair of Epson smartglasses.

People often dress up to go to the theater but with this project, the theater itself is looking rather dapper. Designed by high-profile firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), the new National Theatre of Albania will resemble an oversized bow tie and offer a view of backstage with glazed facades.

As Netflix steps into the blockbuster movie territory and MoviePass brings new disruptions to an old model, we witness a transformative moment for the movie business. What can theaters do to rekindle their dwindling audiences? Is the answer in the same technology that is threatening its existence?​

You're likely familiar with the concept of "theater in the round," in which the stage is surrounded by the audience on all sides. London's new Wembley Theater, however, will turn that on its head, with the audience surrounded by the stage and seated on a 360-degree rotating turntable.