Yichang Grand Theater - Performing Arts Center

A performing arts center open to all, located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and its tributary Huangbai, the building is designed around the concepts of water, air, and movement. With its set of side and backstage areas, understage space, and stage house, the grand theater’s stage meets the highest international production standards. The auditorium is very compact, with a narrow stalls area and special attention paid to the acoustic impact of the two balcony levels. The concert hall has an enveloping shape with simple level differences ensuring the first reflections and with work on the ceiling reflectors and the mobile canopy to achieve the required acoustic excellence. The modularity of the orchestra stage and the front rows of the auditorium allow for multiple configurations, from chamber ensembles to very large orchestras with a large choir. The hybrid structure of the black box, combining beams, walkways, and stage supports, allows for numerous configurations of the space. The four walls can be retracted to free up the mobile telescopic seating, open directly onto the entrance lobby and the view of the city of Yichang, or connect the foyers of the grand theater and concert hall, creating a large event space where the entire Center pulsates to the same tempo.