Oriental Movie Metropolis: A Masterpiece of Modern Architecture

Unveiling Gao Shanxing's Award-Winning Design Inspired by the Sea

The Oriental Movie Metropolis, designed by Gao Shanxing, is a testament to the power of inspiration drawn from nature. The design concept, "blue sea silver conch," pays homage to Qingdao's unique marine culture. The conch, one of the oldest marine creatures, serves as the primary inspiration for this grand theatre. Standing by the sea, the theatre's abstract and dynamic shape blends perfectly with the ocean style and project characteristics, making it a shining landmark in Qingdao.

The theatre's unique properties lie in its curved form, reminiscent of a seaside conch. This design not only represents the local identity and culture but also showcases the power of parametric design. This design approach allows for efficient construction and a narrative visual effect on the comprehensive facade. The Oriental Movie Metropolis Grand Theatre stands proudly in Starry Island’s bay, embodying the spirit of Qingdao.

Realizing this design required overcoming numerous construction constraints, including complex skin, nonlinear structure, and the precise positioning of materials during the construction process. Gao Shanxing and his team employed the BIM computer system for design, construction, and acceptance, effectively solving the nonlinearity, three-dimensional spiral, and complexity limitation in the construction process. This technological approach allowed the team to reproduce the concept of the silver shell, a key feature of the design.

The Oriental Movie Metropolis Grand Theatre serves as a cultural building specially built for the International Movie Festival. It is the main venue for the festival's opening and closing ceremonies, award ceremonies, and occasional concert performances. The theatre, along with the Show Theatre project on the east side, creates an important landmark building on the west coast of Huangdao District.

The project was completed in Qingdao on November 15, 2017, and officially opened on April 28, 2018. The design and construction process employed forward BIM technology for design communication and file control. This approach enabled the best translation of the initial design concept to the final built structure of the theatre, combining art and technology seamlessly.

In recognition of its design excellence, the Oriental Movie Metropolis was awarded the Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2021. This prestigious award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. The Oriental Movie Metropolis Grand Theatre is indeed a testament to Gao Shanxing's architectural prowess and a shining example of modern architecture.