The Architecture of Performance / The Performance of Architecture


TRANFORMATIVE CULTURAL SPACES IN SHENZHEN
4th-Year Architectural Design Studio at the International
Program in Design and Architecture (INDA), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

Studio Professor - Cheryl Wing-Zi Wong


Sunday, May 11, 2014

THE REVOLUTIONARY ART THEATRE OF SHENZHEN by Ekkrit Suwanwong

The Revolutionary Art Theatre of Shenzhen is a performance space designed to represent the national icon of Shenzhen and China. The concept is based from the research of the national context and the patterns of Shenzhen's current development, which is based on the governmental policy in social and economic reform called "SEZ" (Special Economic Zone). 

Using the national performing art piece, "The Red Detachment of Women" (1964), to design the cultural space, it is a strong, communicative piece that commemorates the idea of national prosperity and growth in modern day of China-- in which the plot of the performance is adapted to contemporary context. The storyline of the performance highlights the social aspect of migrants who seek opportunity for new change in life in the newly-built city. The re-adapted performance is an important medium that will make connection between audiences and the context of Shenzhen city.

The design of the theater is a transformative architecture which plays its role in parts of the performance. The curtain walls surrounding the performing stage highlight and capture the city backdrop in the finale of the show. The performing stage and the viewing spaces are totally redefined and make powerful, influential experiences to all audiences.




The video clip of the original of The Red Detachment of Women, Act 2


Section Model