Xiqu Centre
Other Projects by Revery Architecture
Xiqu Centre
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Project Featured on Mar 21, 2019
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2019
Photos
Ema Peter
The Xiqu Centre is the frst performing arts centre in
Hong Kong’s new West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD)
dedicated to performing the rich heritage of xiqu. Conceived as a cultural sanctuary, blending theatre, art and public space for celebration and contemplation, Xiqu Centre is a joint venture between Revery Architecture Inc. (Revery) (formerly Bing Thom Architects) and Ronald Lu & Partners (Hong Kong) Ltd. The Xiqu Centre embraces the cultural richness of East and West by creating a contemporary expression that allows this most ancient art form of Chinese cultural heritage to continue its trajectory as it evolves with contemporary technology.
With its brilliant façade and reinterpretation of the customary Chinese Moon Gate motif, Xiqu Centre creates a captivating
landmark entrance as the gateway to WKCD, the city’s new
precinct for arts and culture. This iconic performing arts
venue is dedicated to promoting the rich cultural heritage of
Xiqu—the primary genre of indigenous Chinese theatre—and
is to be featured on the new HK $100 banknote, emphasizing
its social and cultural signifcance to the ‘Hong Kong Spirit’.
Xiqu Centre houses a breathtaking 1,000-seat Grand
Theatre uniquely situated at the top of the building and
fanked by two outdoor sky gardens ofering outstanding
vistas of Victoria Harbour and the city beyond. The
innovative design decision to suspend the main
theatre—the heart of Xiqu Centre—90 feet (27 metres)
above the ground strategically isolates the auditorium from the vibration and high ambient noise levels of the
building’s surrounding urban context and extensive city
infrastructure. Elevating the theatre also creates space
for the multi-level atrium and naturally ventilated plaza
comprising rehearsal spaces, a Tea House Theatre of 200
seats for more intimate performances, as well as education
and administrative spaces, lecture rooms and retail areas
overlooking the central inner courtyard.
“Qi” or fow is expressed throughout the complex with
curvilinear paths and forms designed around a vast circular
atrium. Xiqu’s dramatic glowing curvilinear façade, which
reimagines theatre drapes and the swaying folds of the
performers’ magnifcent costumes, comprises a modular
system of scaled fns CNC-cut from untreated marine-grade
aluminum pipe, selected for both its alluring aesthetic and
enhanced performance. Arrayed in alternating patterns
along the building, these curved fns radiate a captivating
glow reminiscent of a lantern shimmering behind a beaded
stage curtain, just as it might have looked in days gone by.
The façade’s woven metal panels are gently pulled back at
all four corner entrances to the building, radiating light to
the exterior while revealing the vibrant fow of visitors in and
out of the interior courtyard. Opening up into a mesmerizing
circular atrium, this spectacular naturally-ventilated
courtyard plaza invites the public to enjoy the exhibitions,
browse shops, listen to music or watch Xiqu demonstrations,
making this most traditional Chinese art form accessible to
new audiences and future generations.
Hong Kong’s new West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD)
dedicated to performing the rich heritage of xiqu. Conceived as a cultural sanctuary, blending theatre, art and public space for celebration and contemplation, Xiqu Centre is a joint venture between Revery Architecture Inc. (Revery) (formerly Bing Thom Architects) and Ronald Lu & Partners (Hong Kong) Ltd. The Xiqu Centre embraces the cultural richness of East and West by creating a contemporary expression that allows this most ancient art form of Chinese cultural heritage to continue its trajectory as it evolves with contemporary technology.
With its brilliant façade and reinterpretation of the customary Chinese Moon Gate motif, Xiqu Centre creates a captivating
landmark entrance as the gateway to WKCD, the city’s new
precinct for arts and culture. This iconic performing arts
venue is dedicated to promoting the rich cultural heritage of
Xiqu—the primary genre of indigenous Chinese theatre—and
is to be featured on the new HK $100 banknote, emphasizing
its social and cultural signifcance to the ‘Hong Kong Spirit’.
Xiqu Centre houses a breathtaking 1,000-seat Grand
Theatre uniquely situated at the top of the building and
fanked by two outdoor sky gardens ofering outstanding
vistas of Victoria Harbour and the city beyond. The
innovative design decision to suspend the main
theatre—the heart of Xiqu Centre—90 feet (27 metres)
above the ground strategically isolates the auditorium from the vibration and high ambient noise levels of the
building’s surrounding urban context and extensive city
infrastructure. Elevating the theatre also creates space
for the multi-level atrium and naturally ventilated plaza
comprising rehearsal spaces, a Tea House Theatre of 200
seats for more intimate performances, as well as education
and administrative spaces, lecture rooms and retail areas
overlooking the central inner courtyard.
“Qi” or fow is expressed throughout the complex with
curvilinear paths and forms designed around a vast circular
atrium. Xiqu’s dramatic glowing curvilinear façade, which
reimagines theatre drapes and the swaying folds of the
performers’ magnifcent costumes, comprises a modular
system of scaled fns CNC-cut from untreated marine-grade
aluminum pipe, selected for both its alluring aesthetic and
enhanced performance. Arrayed in alternating patterns
along the building, these curved fns radiate a captivating
glow reminiscent of a lantern shimmering behind a beaded
stage curtain, just as it might have looked in days gone by.
The façade’s woven metal panels are gently pulled back at
all four corner entrances to the building, radiating light to
the exterior while revealing the vibrant fow of visitors in and
out of the interior courtyard. Opening up into a mesmerizing
circular atrium, this spectacular naturally-ventilated
courtyard plaza invites the public to enjoy the exhibitions,
browse shops, listen to music or watch Xiqu demonstrations,
making this most traditional Chinese art form accessible to
new audiences and future generations.