Location: Suzhou, China.

Architect: Woods Bagot.

The 114,600 square metres development, located in Suzhou’s historic centre, Gemdale Community Centre, references the ancient city’s classical gardens, ornate bridges and world-renowned waterways to create a culturally enriching new entertainment landmark. It leverages history and garden elements to create a new lifestyle destination with a unique leisure experience for local citizens and tourists. Kun Opera originated in the mid-14th century around the area of Suzhou, and the design of the inner garden created a performance stage of Kun Opera across two floors. The structure itself is contained by a double skin façade which represents the garden wall, with 40% of the inner site opened up to provide a spectacular carved-out atrium bathed in natural sunlight.