Wednesday 30 January 2008

Beijing: architectural wonder (part II)


Of course another wonder of architecture needs to be mentioned. It is the China National Grand Theater of Beijing that opened on January 1st, 2008. It looks amazing from the outside.

"Three vast theatres are encased within the "tear drop" outer shell , which is made of titanium and glass. Built at a cost of 2.7 billion yuan (about 270 mio Euro), the building is surrounded by water and looks as if it has no entrance. With state-of-the-art equipment, its 2,416-seat opera house, 2,017-seat concert hall, and 1,040-seat theatre are expected to draw the world's best orchestras, operas and musicals, as well as domestic productions." (Guardian)

The inside's charm has to develop. So far you do not know where the underground parking ends and the theater hallway begins. Probably where the airport like metal detectors and handbag screens await you and determined staff take your water bottle away. Even it might have the best acoustics and most modern techniques, it can't compete with the atmosphere of any classic opera house in Europe. At least as long they have pinkish plastic flower arrangements pending along the hallway.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

this is really nice and cool

Unknown said...

Hi! I just found your blog and I'm enjoying the architectural photographs. Have you been to Dubai? I love the funky architecture there.

Anonymous said...

Hi Kate and Hi Danie,
welcome to my blog. I see you both also live in Asia. Kate in Malayisa - your island sounds like paradise. And Danie in India.
Yes, I have been in Dubai. Justy last November for the first time and I have a tiny post about that drafted and forgot about it... will be there soon. But really tiny. Not about the impressing futuristic buildings.
Until soon,
good night from Beijing
Suzie

Fliss and Mike Adventures said...

What a great site... my husband and I are going to China, hopefully this year to adopt... then to find your site and read all about Beijing etc I will be coming back to visit...

An Aesthete's Lament said...

Good Lord, that is a beautiful building.

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