Dalian International Conference Center | Coop Himmelb(l)au

As part of a greater urban development project the Dalian International Conference Center and Opera House is located at a waterfront site. The design task for this development was to create an instantly recognizable landmark as a focal point where two major urban axes meet at the seaside in front of the building’s main entrance. The geometry of the façades, aligned with these axial orientations, is further articulated by the shape of conference rooms which seem to pierce it, thus creating a multifaceted body. The theatre and conference rooms are overarched by a shallow cone-shaped roof structure, with controlled daylight systems that stimulate a relaxed ambience in the interior. The project combines the following functions within one hybrid building with the resulting synergetic effects of functionality and spatial richness: the main building volume contains a conference center for approximately 2,500 people , a full-size theatre/opera house for approximately 1,600 people, a flexible exhibition space and a performance stage. The public entrance level allows for separate entrances for different groups of visitors such as VIPs, members of the press, artists, and the general public; from here a central atrium hall opens sight axes to the conference area, and provides the most efficient access to the hall which surrounds all the event spaces and contains the lookout, relaxation, catering and conference zones of the conference area.