The New Bund 31 Performing Arts Center, located in Shanghai’s rapidly developing Qiantan area, is poised to become both an architectural landmark and a cultural hub. Set along the Huangpu River, this newly constructed center is part of Shanghai’s future business district, set to rival Lujiazui. The venue houses a grand theater and a black box performance space, making it a key destination for arts and entertainment in the city. Designed by renowned architecture and design firm Neri&Hu, the building reflects their signature blend of traditional motifs with contemporary design elements, ensuring the center stands out in the cluster of modern skyscrapers surrounding it.
Neri&Hu’s vision for the New Bund 31 Performing Arts Center is rooted in the concept of “the arena,” a modern interpretation of the classical architectural archetype. This theme is seen most prominently in the grand theater and its surrounding spaces. Visitors are greeted by a five-story atrium, where a series of stacked arches define the space. The arches not only create a striking visual impact but also guide the flow of movement throughout the building. Visitors are constantly shifting between the roles of observer and performer, as the atrium itself becomes a theatrical stage in its own right.
The grand theater, with its 2,500 seats, is the heart of the center. Its interior is dominated by warm oak finishes, reinforcing the arena concept while also serving acoustic purposes. The repeated use of arches in the design gives the space a sense of unity, while the choice of tactile, natural materials provides a sense of intimacy and warmth, an important contrast to the sleek, modern exteriors of the surrounding buildings. Neri&Hu’s design transforms the theater into more than just a place for performance, it becomes an immersive experience where architecture and function work seamlessly together.
Adjacent to the grand theater is the black box exhibition space, a flexible venue designed to accommodate meetings, conferences, and exhibitions. True to its name, the space is clad in blackened stainless steel, creating a bold, minimalist aesthetic. This contrasts with the light-filled “light box” escalator, which runs through the black box’s lobby and is constructed entirely of glass blocks. The escalator acts as a crystalline passageway, offering visitors a visually striking journey between spaces.
Neri&Hu’s approach for the project avoids the typical flashiness often seen in entertainment venues. Instead, they sought to imbue the New Bund 31 Performing Arts Center with a museum-like quality, focusing on timeless design and thoughtful materiality. From the bronze-clad restrooms to the copper-accented elevator cabs, every corner of the center has been meticulously crafted to ensure that the space is not just a venue for performances but also a work of art in itself.
By combining modern design with classic elements, the center invites visitors to experience the space both visually and intellectually. As Shanghai grows, the New Bund 31 will become an important cultural and architectural destination, challenging norms and encouraging creativity. Its thoughtful design and prime location will help shape the future of Shanghai’s cultural scene.
