The new Arts and Culture Center, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, is an invitation to immersion in art and the city of Changsha Shi, China.
Situated on the shores of Lake Meixi, the complex connects organically to neighboring streets, creating a fluid experience between architecture and landscape.
The project houses three distinct cultural institutions: the contemporary art museum (MICA), the 1,800-seat theater, and a multipurpose hall.
Distributed around dynamic courtyards, these spaces are interwoven by pedestrian routes that traverse the site, promoting encounters, outdoor events, and sculpture exhibitions.
The theater, conceived to host a wide variety of performances, combines sophistication and functionality. Its sculpted lobbies house bars and reception areas, while backstage, offices, rehearsal studios, storage, and dressing rooms ensure technical and operational support.
The project integrates into the urban fabric and invites the city to experience it – a space where architecture, art, and nature intertwine in perfect harmony. Elevated above the lake, the museum integrates with the landscape, creating open plazas and interactive spaces for leisure and contemplation. Its undulating roof reflects light uniquely, transforming according to the viewing angle.