A new 115,000 sq m Zaha Hadid Architects project is currently under construction in the Chinese city of Changsa. The Changsha Meixi Lake International Culture & Arts Centre project was selected as the winning proposal with four other architectural firms submitting proposals for the scheme. Containing a 'unique variety of civic nodes and spaces', the International Culture and Arts Centre will house the Grand Theatre, a contemporary art museum, a multipurpose hall and other supporting facilities.

Extending outwards into the neighbouring area, the scheme will offer views out onto the nearby Meixi Lake and provide access towards Festival Island. An outdoor plaza which faces the Meixi Lake Road has also been incorporated into the design, with this exterior space being used for outdoor sculptures, exhibitions and events.

The design is composed of 'three fluid petals', which are situated around a central atrium. Talking about the relationship between the separate entities, Zaha Hadid Architects said: “Although these civic institutions are uniquely defined and separate, they supply each other in all respects within its setting with plazas offering visitors a tapestry-like sequence of urban ambiances that relate to the different institutions, inject the site with urban vitality.”

Once completed, the focal point of the design, the Grand Theatre, will become the largest performance venue in the city with the capacity of 1,800 seats, together with VIP hospitality spaces, bars and restaurants. As well as this, the multipurpose hall will have a capacity of 500 seats, but can be adapted and reconfigured to host a variety of functions, including banquets, fashion shows and small theatre productions.

Zaha Hadid Architects added: “Embodying values of functionality, elegance and innovation, the Changsha Meixi Lake International Culture & Arts Centre aims to become the new cultural and civic node for the city of Changsha, and well as a global cultural destination.”