Dalian Cultural Centre
Dalian Economic and Technical Development Zone, China
Conceptual design 2001 with Nick Milkovich Architects
Similar to the TEDA Citizen Plaza and Hotel Complex in China, the final design of this project resulted from an interpretation
of models of the original design by Arthur Erickson.
The two level public plaza, carved into the centre of the sloping land form, is framed by the Library on the west and the
Theatre on the east. The tapering land form embracing the buildings and contained civic space are reminders of the natural
harbour forms of Dalian. The plaza, while acting as a focus for the two cultural institutions bordering it, also accommodates
various civic and national festivities. The use of water and landscape provide a place of serenity and contemplation for the
entire community.
The Library and Theatre grow out of the plaza and culminate in fan shaped roofs rising outward accentuating the landform
focus on the central plaza. Beneath the water stair which connects the Library and Theatre are the cinemas, exhibition
space, and experimental theater forming the northern enclosure to the space.