Pictures

Design Concept

The Outdoor Water Theatre is inspired by the lotus flower, symbolizing purity, tranquility, and harmony with nature. Its architecture follows a flowing, ribbon-like sequence that weaves along the river’s edge, forming an elliptical composition that integrates seamlessly with the landscape. This continuous form creates seven distinct viewing and activity spaces while shaping a central performance area beneath its sloped structure. A curved, fluid footbridge serves as the main entrance, guiding visitors gradually into the experience. Overall, the design unites natural symbolism with dynamic movement to create an immersive cultural environment.

Renderings

Concept diagrams architecture

Sustainability (Regeneration/Resilience)

The project is conceived with a strong commitment to climate protection, ecological responsibility, and long-term resilience. Durable, low-maintenance materials were selected to withstand the riparian environment, ensuring longevity while reducing resource consumption over time.

• Regenerative Materials: use of sustainably sourced timber for façade elements supports renewable material cycles and enhances the building’s ecological profile.
• Recyclability: Key construction components are designed for disassembly and reuse, enabling responsible material recovery at the end of their lifecycle.
• Landscape & Walkways: The landscape design incorporates climate-resilient tree species and sustainable materials for paths and walkways, strengthening the site’s environmental stability and biodiversity.
• Water Management: A specialized system of planted purification ponds, developed with German ecological water-treatment engineers (Abwasserreinigung mit Pflanzenkläranlagen), integrates directly with the adjacent river. This natural filtration method improves water quality, supports regeneration of the riparian ecosystem, and contributes to making the river both sustainable and potentially potable.

Signage plate

Interior Design

Concept diagrams structure

Structure and Engineering

The engineering solution focuses on achieving the complex geometry with a minimal and efficient framework. The continuous ribbon form provides inherent torsional stability, crucial for the long spans of the cantilevered seating and entrance bridge.

• Principles: Minimal, optimized steel framework shaped as a continuous, flowing ribbon to create a dynamic, unified architectural form.
• Materials: Recycled steel for the primary structure and 200 m-long entrance footbridge, complemented by a timber-clad façade for durability, warmth, and harmony with the natural landscape.
• Parametric design: Parametric design strategies were used throughout the project—both in shaping the theatre’s architectural geometry and structural form, and in crafting the bespoke balustrades of the entrance bridge. These methods create a fluid, sculptural building expression and produce a dynamic Moiré effect along the bridge, resulting in a vibrant, kinetic visual experience for visitors.
• Feasibility: Complex geometry was realized through the use of advanced 3D technology (Rhino/Grasshopper) for design and coordinated construction information.

Urban Integration and Spatial Experience

The project acts as an urban catalyst, providing a key entrance to the river park and a focal point along the river for the community.

• Circulation: The masterplan is defined by a sequential movement. The user journey begins with an indirect, curved path across the entrance bridge, maximizing anticipation and allowing a discovery of the water theatre step by step.
• Spatial Qualities: The continuous ribbon design is functionally practical, creating covered program space underneath the seating slope.
• Social Benefit: The theatre aims to leave a lasting cultural heritage and serve as a landmark along the river for future generations.

Construction site

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