Designed by MAD architects, the opera house is a reminder of Harbin's cultural heritage. <br />
Harbin, China —
Designed by MAD architects, the opera house is a reminder of Harbin's cultural heritage.
Iwan Baan
In the middle of the low lying wetlands in Northern China, there's an opera house that camouflages perfectly with the surrounding nature.
Harbin, China —
In the middle of the low lying wetlands in Northern China, there's an opera house that camouflages perfectly with the surrounding nature.
Iwan Baan
One of China's second-tier cities, Harbin became an urban area as a Russian railroad destination in 1800s, then transformed into a cultural capital with the establishment here of the first Chinese orchestra.
Harbin, China —
One of China's second-tier cities, Harbin became an urban area as a Russian railroad destination in 1800s, then transformed into a cultural capital with the establishment here of the first Chinese orchestra.
Iwan Baan
Each curve of the building eases into the surrounding landscape.
Harbin, China —
Each curve of the building eases into the surrounding landscape.
Iwan Baan
"Before we built this building there were a lot of people coming to the site, fishing, cycling in the wild landscape, so I was thinking after we build this building it should still be very welcoming, so the building is not a typical landmark you can only look at it," says Ma Yansong, founder of the MAD Architects.<br />
Harbin, China —
"Before we built this building there were a lot of people coming to the site, fishing, cycling in the wild landscape, so I was thinking after we build this building it should still be very welcoming, so the building is not a typical landmark you can only look at it," says Ma Yansong, founder of the MAD Architects.
Iwan Baan
"I decide to make the building itself like a landscape. So we designed an amphitheater on the rooftop and connected that level to the ground level through a ramp, stairs, outdoor stairs so people can literally climb the building like they climb a mountain," says Ma Yansong.
Harbin, China —
"I decide to make the building itself like a landscape. So we designed an amphitheater on the rooftop and connected that level to the ground level through a ramp, stairs, outdoor stairs so people can literally climb the building like they climb a mountain," says Ma Yansong.
Iwan Baan
Curvature is a defining feature of the building, which welcomes visitors who aren't necessarily there to see an opera.
Harbin, China —
Curvature is a defining feature of the building, which welcomes visitors who aren't necessarily there to see an opera.
Iwan Baan
"I want to bring architecture beyond the functional, beyond the shape and the space and the light ... I create an atmosphere in which people can imagine things," says Ma.
Harbin, China —
"I want to bring architecture beyond the functional, beyond the shape and the space and the light ... I create an atmosphere in which people can imagine things," says Ma.
Iwan Baan
"Our citizens are proud that they possess this kind of world-standard opera house ... They love the city more, and are more confident about art development in the future," says the Mayor of Harbin, Song Xibin.
Harbin, China —
"Our citizens are proud that they possess this kind of world-standard opera house ... They love the city more, and are more confident about art development in the future," says the Mayor of Harbin, Song Xibin.
Iwan Baan