Transfiguring Tradition: A Modern Take on Traditional Chinese Theatre

Architectural Services Department Revitalizes Hong Kong Harbourfront with Innovative Outdoor Theatre

The district, once a fishing village, has managed to preserve its rich traditional culture amidst rapid urbanization. On the birthday of the deity, the locals celebrate with colorful street parades, dragon dances, and Chinese Opera performances. The project aims to provide a venue for these theatrical and cultural events, thereby revitalizing the harbor front.

The design of the stage mimics the form of the headdress in Chinese Opera, symbolizing the collective subconscious in the cultural emblem of the locals. The form is further elaborated with fins of a dragon using contemporary materials, thereby transfiguring tradition into a modern architectural marvel. The project enhances the permeability and connectivity of the district, making it a popular venue for all walks of life, including principal local events like Birthday of Deities celebrations, concerts, school events, and carnivals.

The project, located in Hong Kong, commenced on 11 January 2017 and was completed on 17 December 2018. The opening ceremony was held on 9 March 2019. It has since become a destination point that revitalizes and activates the harbourfront. The iconic standing Main Stage establishes a strong tie with the rich cultural context while functions to avoid nuisance to the nearby residence, attracting a variety of activities including operas, concerts, and carnivals to the district.

One of the major challenges was to design an effective stage shelter in a dense urbanization context. The structure with opening facing the harbour captivates the view while minimizes nuisance to the Noise Sensitive Receivers within 50m from the site. BIM was used to run simulations to ascertain the optimal design for visual and sound enhancement. The acoustic cladding panel system acts as a barrier and standardized to enhance constructability.

The project was awarded Silver in A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2021. This Design was recognized for its top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. These designs, admired for their strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcase a remarkable level of excellence and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.