AIR-CoLAB Studio creates ring-shaped amphitheatre by lake in China

A waterfront stage shaped like a lotus leaf forms the heart of Luhu Ring of Starlight, an amphitheatre by Chinese architecture firm AIR-CoLAB Studio and engineer HDEC in Sichuan Province, China.

The amphitheatre sits on an island at the heart of Vortex Park in Luxelakes Eco-City, a vast ecological complex centred around an 850-hectare, man-made lake system in Chengdu's Tianfu New District.

Named after the reflection of the white concrete structure in the water at night, Luhu Ring of Starlight is designed as a focal point for the park and forms part of a pedestrian bridge across Luhu Lake.

It functions as an open-air theatre with space for 100 audience members, as well as a venue for small events and a meeting point for recreational activities.

"It was designed to be a pause point along the park's circulation, fostering interaction and contemplation while offering framed views, noise protection, and a seamless connection to nature," said AIR-CoLAB Studio's lead architect Lin Zaiguo.

From the pedestrian bridge, a set of large steps descends to form an amphitheatre built into the bank of the lake, with the lakeside stage level with the water and shaped like a lotus leaf.

Suspended above the stage is a walkway, which provides views out over the water, while to the rear of the structure, the bridge railing has been intentionally enlarged, forming a pavilion that provides shelter from wind and rain.

Though located at the centre of the park, the 25-metre pavilion is surrounded by water and accessed only via a forest walkway or by boat, giving it a secluded feel. It is made of exposed white concrete, contrasting with the surrounding greenery and vegetation.

"The exposed concrete not only emphasises the sculptural quality of the design but also contributes to the sense of permanence and integration with the landscape," said Zaiguo.

"The white surface reflects light, enhancing the spatial experience and providing a clean, minimalist feel," he added.

Zaiguo said the aim of the project was for the project to feel like "living architecture" and ensure the space worked with existing activities on Luhu Lake, such as swimming and water sports, as well as providing a quiet space for reading groups.

"The entire project has successfully achieved the anticipated design effects, realising our vision in natural dialogue," he added. "Particularly when people sit on the steps of the outdoor theatre, the architecture naturally frames the view of nature, drawing attention away from the surroundings and creating a meditative space."

Luxelakes Eco-City is a 5.5-square-kilometre district including high-end apartments, office and retail set among large parks and lakes. Last month, Dutch studio MVRDV unveiled designs for the LuLa Light Mall shopping centre there, comprising a 99-metre-tall commercial tower.

Elsewhere in China, shipping containers and inflatable structures were recently used by Practice on Earth and Increments Studio to form a series of pavilions and a sea-front pavilion by GN Architects was sheltered by a canopy of leaf-like sails.

The photography is by Arch-Exist.

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