Japanese architect Tadao Ando has unveiled the design for Il Teatro at Aljada, a cylindrical performing arts centre in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, that will overlook a sunken water feature.
The performing arts centre, which is being created for developer Arada as part of its masterplan for the mixed-use Aljada development, will be made from concrete in line with Ando's signature style.
Measuring 24,155 square metres, Il Teatro at Aljada will contain a 2,000-seat auditorium, a boutique restaurant and a gallery, and host shows including theatre, opera, dance, art exhibitions, festivals and films.
The cylindrical building will be topped by a stacked, disc-shaped roof, with a smaller outbuilding featuring the same design.
Ando has designed Il Teatro at Aljada to be spread over two levels, with the lower level partly sunk into the ground.
A large arched opening will overlook a sunken water feature forming part of a two-level cultural plaza. This will let visitors enter the arts centre via concrete walkways leading across the water pools.
"Il Teatro at Aljada will leave a lasting, intergenerational impact through its emphasis on culture and art," Ando said.
"I have designed the central structure of the building to be round like the Earth as I wanted to create a new world inside it that will attract not only local people but visitors from around the globe."
The building, which is set to be completed in 2027, will be located on the main access road of the Naseej district that is being built as part of Aljada. It will be surrounded by greenery, with parks on both sides.
"Il Teatro at Aljada represents an impressive new attraction for Sharjah and the wider UAE and adds significantly to the list of museums, galleries, entertainment venues and other cultural spaces for which Sharjah is already well-known," Arada's vice chairman Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal said.
"We're extremely proud to be working with Tadao Ando, who has a long record of designing exceptional public spaces that enthral and engage their visitors, and we look forward to working with him to bring his vision to life," he added.
The masterplan for Naseej comprises 19 buildings in total, including a hotel and a branded apartments complex. The wider Aljada project will be located close to Sharjah airport and also feature a cultural hub by Zaha Hadid Architects.
Il Teatro at Aljada will be Ando's second design in the United Arab Emirates. The architect has also designed another project for Arada, the Armani Beach Residences at Palm Jumeirah.
Other recent projects and events in Sharjah include an ice factory that has been converted into and arts venue and the Sharjah Architecture Triennial, which is currently taking place in the emirate and from which Dezeen is reporting live.
The images are courtesy of Arada.