see all jobs
Shaolin's flying monks blasted into the sky above mountainous amphitheatre
Latvian practice Mailitis Architects have designed an amphitheatre with a unique wind tunnel for a band of levitating monks.
The Shaolin Flying Monks Theatre has been built on Songshan Mountain in central China – a UNESCO World Heritage that is home to the Shaolin Monastery, traditionally considered to be the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Kung-Fu martial arts.
The monks who live on the mountain develop skills in many scenic arts, all of which will be demonstrated in their new 230-capacity arena. The most dramatic performances will come when the monks take flight; the vertical wind tunnel blasting them into the sky.
The theatre’s design was inspired by the shape of two symbols – a mountain and a tree.
“The architectural image pays respect to the beauty of surrounding nature and the historical heritage of the site,” said Mailitis Architects in a statement. “The building method combines modern and ancient technologies. A laser-cut steel superstructure supports stone steps handcrafted using local quarry resources.”
The building has four basic functional zones: the stage, the three-storey interior area, the wind tunnel’s engine room and the mountain-like exterior surface, which has the stone stairway built into its side.
This sweeps up the building and around the auditorium and the tree-like wind tunnel, gradually transforming into the seating area.
Summarising the project, the architects said: “The temple is an attempt to build a landmark by creating a mutual respect between history and future, nature and scientific development, and Eastern and Western philosophies.”
More News
- News by sector (all)
- All news
- Fitness
- Personal trainer
- Sport
- Spa
- Swimming
- Hospitality
- Entertainment & Gaming
- Commercial Leisure
- Property
- Architecture
- Design
- Tourism
- Travel
- Attractions
- Theme & Water Parks
- Arts & Culture
- Heritage & Museums
- Parks & Countryside
- Sales & Marketing
- Public Sector
- Training
- People
- Executive
- Apprenticeships
- Suppliers