THE NEW PERFORMING ARTS CENTER LOCATED IN QIANTAN BUSINESS ZONE BY NERI&HU DESIGN AND RESEARCH OFFICE IS THE CULTURAL LANDMARK AND CRUCIAL COMPONENT OF SHANGHAI’S CULTURAL FUTURE
TEXT: PANYAPORN SANPRADIT
PHOTO: PEDRO PEGENAUTE
(For Thai, press here)
The New Bund 31 Performing Arts Center is a new project by Neri&Hu Design and Research Office. It is expected to become a major architectural and cultural landmark in Shanghai in the future. The project is located along the Huangpu River in the rapidly developing Qiantan International Business Zone, also known as the New Bund.
Neri&Hu’s design attempts to better connect this newly created area to the city’s history. They drew inspiration from Shanghai’s lilongs, a traditional urban housing typology that characterizes the city of Shanghai in which long, narrow streets and alleys connect independent homes. This inspired a recurring arching motif throughout the New Bund Performing Arts Centre, outlining internal routes and balconies. The design also centers on ‘the arena,’ a contemporary reinterpretation of classical architectural archetypes. Along with its lobby concourse and surrounding circulation paths, the grand theater is characterized by elegantly proportioned arches. This formal language fosters a cohesive visual experience that invites visitors to navigate the space with a dual perception—as both observer and performer. The five-story atrium is particularly noteworthy; its stacked layers of arches create a dramatic verticality that commands attention, reinforcing the notion that the atrium can be an extension of the performance experience.
The interior of the 2,500-seat grand theater is enveloped in warm oak. The repeating arch motif provides aesthetic continuity and fulfils critical acoustic requirements essential for high-quality performances. This attention to acoustic design emphasizes the intricate relationship between space and sound, which enhances the overall experience for the audience.
In addition to the grand theater, the facility incorporates a black box exhibition space that epitomizes multi-functionality. Blackened stainless steel as cladding emphasizes the space’s adaptability while embodying the literal interpretation of a ‘black box.’ This design approach contrasts sharply with the ‘light box’ escalator, which traverses the lobby space with its crystalline metal mesh structure, creating an intriguing interplay of light and transparency that enriches the visitor experience.
Throughout the center, Neri&Hu distinguishes individual spaces with unique design elements—such as the bronze-clad restrooms, the curved copper lift cabs, and the perforated brick VIP lounge. These details not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to a cohesive narrative that aligns with the overarching theme of the design. Intentionally, Neri&Hu’s approach eschews the flashy glamour often associated with entertainment venues in favor of a more contemplative, museum-like quality. This design ethos invites intellectual engagement, prompting visitors to reflect on the relationship between space, performance, and community interaction. By prioritizing tactile materials and archetypal forms, the New Bund 31 Performing Arts Center serves as a venue that transcends traditional entertainment paradigms, encouraging a richer, more multifaceted experience.
As the Qiantan area continues to become Shanghai’s next business district, the New Bund 31 Performing Arts Center is considered a pivotal cultural institution. Its architectural significance lies not only in its physical presence but also in its potential to influence the cultural dynamics of the community. This new performing arts center encapsulates Neri&Hu’s commitment to creating visually stimulating and intellectually provocative environments, positioning it as a crucial component of Shanghai’s cultural future.
