Ningbo Beilun Culture Center
gmp wins competition for the construction of a new culture center in Ningbo
In Beilun, a district of the port city of Ningbo, a culture center is being created to designs by gmp von Gerkan, Marg and Partners Architects. A building for cultural functions will be constructed at the center of the neighborhood, directly opposite the district administration. The plinth houses service functions and commercial premises. Its facades are clad with copper-colored steel panels that are perforated with traditional regional motifs. Above the plinth, there are three terraced layers containing one theater with 1200 seats, one multi-functional concert hall with 400 seats, and the District Culture Center. Here, the facades are clad with louvers that permit views into the foyers and lobbies.
With its shape, the new building becomes a fixed point in the urban topography; its terraced design is a reference to the nearby Phoenix Mountain. The main entrance faces the government building and Beilun Central Park bordering it to the south, where a forecourt with a pond and integrated water features will be created as a local recreation area. Furthermore, the roof terraces, which are accessible to the public, are also designed as park-like recreation areas, including integrated gardens, seating, dance floors, as well as areas for outdoor chess and other games. In the roof at third-floor level an amphitheater will be integrated that is oriented towards the park and the water features. In this way the Beilun Culture Center not only serves the cultural needs of the Beilun district, but also those of the young population that primarily consists of families with children and teenagers who, as yet, have not had the benefit of such a venue.
