Location: Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
Architect: MAD Architects.
The Harbin Grand Theater appears to have been carved by natural forces as it is tucked away along the north bank of the Songhua River in Harbin. The two-theatre complex, which was built to host Harbin’s renowned Symphonic Orchestra, has a capacity of 2,000 people.
Even while the building itself is an artistic achievement, the music may have been the first draw. The untamed environment and chilly climate of the northern city are echoed in the exterior’s sleek white aluminium panels. Visitors are welcomed by a large lobby area lit by a high glass dome ceiling before being directed to the grand theatre, a warm and spacious area made of rich wood that stands in dramatic contrast to the chilly entrance.
“We envision Harbin Opera House as a cultural centre of the future — a tremendous performance venue, as well as a dramatic public space that embodies the integration of human, art and the city identity, while synergistically blending with the surrounding nature,” said Ma Yansong, the lead architect and founder of MAD Architects.
