Henan Art Centre

Completion Date: 2008
Location: Zhengzhou, Henan Province, The People’s Republic of China
Size: 2,000,000 sq. ft.
Awards: International Design Competition Winner
Associate Design Architect: Carlos Ott Architects

The Henan Art Centre was created to be a hub of the creative arts located in Zhengzhou, China. PETROFF and Design Architect Carlos Ott were awarded the contract to provide architectural, interior and urban design. The Art Center is 830,000 sq. ft. and consists of a grand theatre (1,800 seats), concert hall (800 seats), multi-function theatre (380 seats), an art gallery, museum and three VIP lounges.

Inspired by abstract artistic interpretations of ancient musical instruments, the centre fully embodies the concept of integrating ancient culture with modern arts. Variations in the height and volumes of each hall allows each to be clearly recognizable from the exterior and reinforces the asymmetrical concept of the Art Centre within a symmetrical scheme. The pre-patinated green copper resembles the color of the jade stone- considered to be a source of good luck. The metal contrasts with the glazed surface of the foyer allowing the visitor to distinguish each volume from both inside and outside the space. The transparent foyer clearly shows the orchestrated composition of shapes. At night the foyer glazed exterior walls transform the multistoried space into a showcase that exhibits the vitality of the activities within. The radiating light signifies the importance of this cultural building in the city.