President Xi views the architectural model of the Xiqu Centre. | RJ Models

May 25, 2017 – the showcase of top jewelry brand Cartier, Cartier in Motion, curated by architect Norman Foster and his practice, Foster + Partners, opens at London Design Museum.

The Xiqu Centre is one of 17 cultural and art facilities of the West Kowloon Cultural District, a cultural project given high priority by Hong Kong. A 10-month design competition was held in the West Kowloon cultural district in March 2012 for finding the best conceptual and design team of the Xiqu Centre.

More than 50 architectural teams around the world were interested in the project. Bing Thom Architects from Canada teamed up with Ronald Lu and Partners from Hong Kong and appointed RJ Models to make a model for the world-class cultural project, and they finally won the competition. RJ Models got involved in the entire process from early stage design to construction. In addition to showing the appearance and function of the Centre, the model draws more attention to the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of opera.

RJ Models spent a month building the 1230mm x 830mm x 590mm model. With a unique façade combining traditional and contemporary elements, the streamline model resembles a stage curtain and looks full of vigor and vitality.

The Xiqu Centre inevitable requires a complex structure because of its function. It’s a very complicated process to make its model on a scale of 1 to 100 and a 3D drawing was drafted prior to fabrication for representing its design and material.

One of the biggest challenges in making the model was to precisely deal with the entire model from the complex structure fine details. Fabrication of components including curved walls, lobby interior, distinctive ceiling and walls in different forms was a time-consuming, tedious process.

As this is a sectional model, the lack of structural support posts various challenges keeping the theater “in the air”, but they were overcome by the thoughtful model making techniques partnered with the used of the most appropriate material, tools and equipment. Finally, all challenges have been solved by the team with advanced equipment and professional know-how.The Hand-painted performer’s sculptures purposely designed for the opera stage of the architectural model to depict a scene.

With a passion for perfection, RJ Models carved the sculptures in-house for this model, instead of using off the shelf product. This focal point won high praise from the client and visitors.

The Xiqu Centre is the mark of the inheritance of opera, will be a cultural identity of the West Kowloon Cultural District and is expected to do more cultural contributions. RJ Models is honored to have participated in this great project and looks forward to its completion in 2018.