Wuxi Grand Theatre | first large scale Finnish design in China

Wuxi Grand Theatre has been opened in China. Designed by Helsinki-based PES-Architects, the project is the first large scale example of Finnish design in China.

In 2008, PES-Architects won the first prize in the invited international architectural competition for Wuxi Grand Theatre. The other competitors were established and well-known practices from Germany, France, Japan and Denmark.

The main idea of Wuxi Grand Theatre is based on its location. The manmade peninsula on the northern shore area of Taihu Lake and the highway bridge nearby make this location comparable to that of Sydney Opera House. Due to this location the building is an impressive landmark, rising up to a total height of 50 meters like a big sculpture from the terraced base. Its eight gigantic roof wings stretch far over the facades, giving the building a character of a butterfly, while protecting the building from the heat of the sun.

Finnish Design is internationally reknown for its concepts of clear and functional style, which meet the needs of the users from a long term perspective. The first large scale example of Finnish design in China was completed by the opening of the Wuxi Grand Theatre in April 2012. Its design was not only a question of architecture, but the whole design - from functional program to interior design, landscape design, theatre technology, lighting and acoustic design - was controlled by the PES-Architects’ team.

Normally in Finland the architect holistically designs important public buildings from the client’s first thoughts to the interior design details and is in charge of coordinating the works of all special consultants. Professor Pekka Salminen, the founder of PES-Architects, and his design partner, architect Tuomas Silvennoinen, want to promote this type of “Design Thinking” in China.

Read more about the project on Archi-Europe