The Zhuhai Jinwan Civic Art Centre: A Showcase of Contemporary Creativity
Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the Zhuhai Jinwan Civic Art Centre is a hub of contemporary creativity in one of the world’s most dynamic regions. Located at the heart of Jinwan district’s Western Ecological New Town, the centre is easily accessible from Zhuhai’s city centre, its airport, and other cities in the Pearl River Delta region.
Four Cultural Institutions in One: Inside the Centre’s Unique Venues
The centre integrates four distinct cultural institutions for the city: a 1200-seat Grand Theatre; a 500-seat Multifunctional Hall, a Science Centre; and an Art Museum. Each venue within the centre incorporates unique characteristics to create the most engaging visitor experiences, yet all are united by a coherent structure that spans 170 meters wide from east to west and 270 meters long from north to south.
Arranged symmetrically, the two larger and two smaller venues are connected by a central plaza that serves as a shared external foyer to each of the four cultural institutions.
The Centre’s Stunning Design: Symmetry, Scale, and Repetition
The centre’s distinctive roof structure unites the different venues under a network of reticulated shells soaring above the four buildings. Echoing the chevron patterns of migratory birds flying in formation over southern China, the latticed steel canopies over each venue are configured through repetition, symmetry, and scale variation. Every building-module of the roof is self-supporting and self-stabilising, optimising pre-fabrication, pre-assembly and the use of modular construction.
Connecting the Community: The Public Plaza and Rooftop Piazza
Interconnecting bridges and voids define a vibrant public plaza with views to the centre’s interiors as well as to the surrounding promenades with their cafés, restaurants, and educational facilities. Ramps invite visitors to the rooftop piazza where footbridges and stairs connect through a central void to each venue. The glazed façades provide transparency and welcome the community onto its public plazas beneath the sweeping roof structure. An external amphitheatre on the west side of the centre allows for outdoor performances and activities.
Sustainable Design: The Centre’s Integration with Zhuhai’s ‘Sponge City’ Initiative
The centre’s landscaping and surrounding lake are designed as integral elements within Zhuhai’s ‘sponge city’ initiative that targets the natural permeation, storage and re-use of at least 70% of the city’s rainwater; using aquatic flora and fauna to naturally filter contaminants. Humidity and soil-moisture sensors within the landscaping’s irrigation system will control and reduce water consumption. Optimized for thermal performance, the double-insulated glazing of the building’s envelope is protected by the latticed roof canopy which incorporates perforated aluminium panels to provide external solar shading.
A Green Building for the Future: Energy Efficiency and Recycled Materials
Designed to achieve two stars within China’s Green Building Evaluation Standard, the selection and procurement of the centre’s structural components has prioritized recycled materials. Energy consumption and indoor air quality monitoring systems with intelligent control will automatically adjust the centre’s interior environments for optimal comfort and energy reduction. Waste heat recovery will be used to meet the centre’s hot water demand with water-saving appliances connected to the centre’s water recycling system.
The Zhuhai Jinwan Civic Art Centre is an architectural masterpiece that combines stunning design with sustainable features. Its unique combination of cultural institutions, public spaces, and energy-efficient technologies make it a landmark in the Pearl River Delta region.
Project Details:
| Architect | Zaha Hadid Architects |
| Year | 2017 – 2023 |
| Location | China |
