The Grand National Theatre being built in the heart of Beijing - the subject
of previous controversy over its futuristic style and cost - is now mired in a
new disagreement over its landscape design.
Chinese architects and the theatre's designer, Paul Andreu, have disagreed
over lighting and the outside landscape gardening, said Zheng Yue, an architect
with the Beijing Landscape and Traditional Architectural Design and Research
Institute.
The French architect prefers minimal lighting and trees, but the Chinese side
favours bright lighting and bouquets of flowers around the dome-shaped theatre,
said Zheng, who is the representative of the Chinese side.
"It is natural that different architects disagree with each other on certain
design details. All the differences will be resolved through talks," said Zheng.
Covering an area of 120,000 square metres, the gigantic dome - half
underground and nestled in an artificial lake - is located near Tian'anmen
Square.
Zheng said Andreu does not want bright lamps similar to those standing in
neighbouring Tian'anmen Square.
"Andreu prefers minimal lighting shinning from the theatre - made of glass
and titanium - into the artificial lake to simulate a star-studded sky.
"But we must take safety into consideration. Tian'anmen is a popular tourist
destination that receives more than 100,000 visitors every day," said Zheng.
"The number may top 500,000 a day in the holidays. Adequate lighting is a
must, otherwise people will not be able to find their way."
As to the landscape gardening, Zheng said Andreu wants tall, big trees and
refuses to plant flowers and grass.
"But Chinese people like to use colourful flowers to create a joyous
atmosphere, especially during festivals.
"However, Andreu is not willing to make a concession on this issue at
present.
"We still need further discussion and communication before we reach an
agreement," said Zheng.
She said the landscaping was expected to be started next spring. So far,
ginkgo trees and Chinese scholar trees, both with tall and big trunks, have been
chosen.
Construction of the theatre started in 2001, despite harsh criticism at that
time, and is expected to be finished by the end of this year.
With a cost of nearly 3 billion yuan (US$360 million), the 6,200-seat theatre
will consist of an opera house, a concert hall, a drama house, an art exchange
centre, shops and other facilities.
Some critics say the cost to build a single seat at the theatre is about
484,000 yuan (US$58,500), equivalent to the price of a luxury car. They are also
worried that the huge spending will mean expensive tickets out of the reach of
ordinary residents.
But proponents argue the theatre will be a symbol of national pride. They say
the theatre was not designed to be ordinary, and so its cost cannot be compared
with a standard theatre.
As to the style, advocates liken it to a water pearl, saying it is a
breakthrough in style that blends romance with reality. However, opponents say
it is a blob that does not fit in with its
surroundings.
