The Beijing Performing Arts Centre, designed by Schmidt Hammer Lassen and Perkins&Will, stands as a cultural beacon in Tongzhou, a historic port located on the Grand Canal and the eastern gateway to Beijing. This ambitious complex encompasses an opera house, theater, concert hall, multipurpose hall, and an outdoor stage, all crafted to serve as the heart of Tongzhou’s newly designated cultural district, which also includes a museum, library, and expansive parklands.

Inspired by Tongzhou's rich history as a hub for shipping and storage, the design references traditional canal-side storehouses and the sails of boats, while simultaneously evoking the imagery of a theater curtain being drawn open. A unifying plinth extends from the lobbies into the surrounding park, reinforcing connections between the interior spaces, the landscape, and the Grand Canal. As a testament to modern architectural practices, this project integrates sustainable features and has earned a prestigious China Three Star rating, benefiting from a high-performance building envelope and a district energy system powered mainly by ground-source heat pumps.

The center is designed to facilitate community engagement and enhance the well-being of its visitors while celebrating both the historical significance and future potential of the site. Chief architect Chris Hardie describes the buildings as “containers for culture,” reinterpreting historical storehouses into cultural treasures that highlight Beijing's commitment to the arts.

Each structure within the complex serves a distinct purpose yet is designed to complement one another, as described by project director Chao Chen. The opera house's interior, for instance, is meticulously shaped to optimize acoustics, creating a harmonious environment for the arts. Together, these elements create a cohesive composition, reminiscent of glowing lanterns perched at the water's edge.

Historically, the Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site stretching over 2,000 kilometers and constructed in sections since the 5th century B.C., has been essential in linking Beijing with southern China. Tongzhou has traditionally operated as a critical trade hub along the canal, where goods arriving from the south were sorted and stored before heading to Beijing. In a significant shift from this historical flow, the new performing arts complex will now draw residents and visitors from the city to the canal, enriching cultural exchange.

The design prioritizes sustainability throughout, fostering both human health and ecosystem integrity. The project boasts a high-performance building envelope shaded by a perforated aluminum screen, which reduces energy consumption by 20% beyond local code requirements. Its connection to a district energy system, primarily powered by ground-source heat pumps, achieves a remarkable 60% rate of renewable energy use. Furthermore, an advanced HVAC system ensures high indoor air quality, integrating filtration and carbon dioxide sensors in public areas, while water conservation measures, including low-flow fixtures and rainwater gardens, mitigate flood risks.

Access to the centre is enhanced by a dedicated metro station located beneath the park, complemented by ground-level ramps and stairs for easy public entry. The subterranean level features parking, retail spaces, and a food and beverage complex integrated with sunken gardens. The open plinth acts as an extension of the park, offering visitors stunning panoramic views of Tongzhou and the Grand Canal.

James Lu, regional director at Perkins&Will, underscores the significance of the project, noting that the movement of people and the exchange of ideas within the Beijing Performing Arts Centre reflect the historic waterways of the region. This development not only symbolizes the city’s dedication to the arts and culture but also reimagines the role of public spaces in fostering community connections and cultural dialogue.