Pearl inspired theatre is a design gem

Project: North Bund AIA Grand Theatre
Award: Gold, Publicly Accessible Interiors - Cinemas, Theatres & Concert Halls, 2024
Location: Shanghai, China
Design Practice: HPP Architects
Client: AIA

The interior design concept for the North Bund AIA Grand Theatre in Shanghai was a shining and transparent crystal jewellery box, echoing the artistic pearl image associated with the city’s North Bund riverside heritage area.

The WIN judges praised the design's "strong concept" and "beautiful outcome" and said that it "expresses its inspiration precisely and delicately."

The project's interior design area covers a vast 13,042 square metres, with the theatre spanning three floors above ground and two floors below. The second-floor side hall of the theatre connects with the surrounding commercial and office areas and includes a ticketing area and a snacks area. The foyer and theatre use factory prefabricated Glass Reinforced Gypsum (GRG), shortening the construction period and improving precision control. 

The judges said: "This project is well designed with clear attention given to the acoustics of the theatre space."

They added: "The flow of the materials, starting at the exterior view and culminating in the interior stage view creates an organic whole that exceeds the sum of its components. It’s not hard to imagine that any performance given in such a space is immensely magnified and sharpened, to bring out the maximum user experience."

Design highlights

The foyer, themed "the growth marks of a shell," features three-storey high, stripe-like decorative surfaces simulating the growth textures of a shell. The auditorium, designed to accommodate an audience of around 1,700, features ceiling and wall designs inspired by the exterior of a treasure, with continuous undulating forms that also improve the acoustic experience of the space. 

Photo credit: AST Studio