Work has started on the Isola Della Musica, a “floating” opera house on Hanoi’s West Lake, designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop and Australia’s PTW Architects.
The structure will be formed of a ribbed catenary concrete shell covered with ceramic tiles of various sizes to create a pixelated effect inspired by the shells of West Lake’s mother-of-pearl oysters.
The outer ceramic tile skin acts as a rain screen, while the inner concrete structure also provides acoustic insulation.
It will be located on the water’s surface by the removal of 13,347-sq-m of land, creating a link between the Đam Tri Lake and West Lake.
As well as the 1,800-seat opera hall, the venue will have a 1,000-seat convention centre, rehearsal and training areas, and a climate-controlled museum. The two venues can combine to accommodate different types of performances.
Vietnamese real estate company Sun Group has appointed UK-headquartered Mace as the project management, construction management and site supervision services lead.
Renzo Piano said: “The Ha Noi Opera Theatre is like ‘an island of music’, a place where world-class artistic programmes can be held.
“I want the opera theatre at West Lake to be listed among the world’s most famous opera houses, including those in Paris, Milan, Berlin, London, New York and Los Angeles.”
Isola Della Musica is due to open in 2027.
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