The theater will begin to be built in 2020 on the right bank of the Dongyang River: a large (1600 seats) and medium (1200) auditoriums, as well as an international convention center (2000 seats) will appear on an area of almost 100,000 m2. The customer, the Yiwu administration, decided to complement the “soft power” acquired by the city through trade with the cultural sphere. So, there is one of the world's largest small wholesale markets for consumer goods: Christmas tree decorations, souvenirs, etc. sold there. then they fill store shelves in different parts of the world. In addition, Yiwu plays an important role in the Chinese government's “One Belt and One Road” system of the 21st century sea and land Silk Roads.
In the competition to design a new theater, Ma Yansong's bureau beat rivals such as Arata Isozaki, Christian de Portzamparc and gmp. The MAD project involves placing the building on the water, against the backdrop of a mountain range. It should resemble a traditional ship - a junk, in the past - a typical transport for Yiwu traders. The role of sails is played by translucent glass facades, whose silhouette is similar to the overhang of the roof, which is characteristic of this region, Jiangnan.
The architects plan to make the glass look like a flowing silk fabric: reflected in the water, these "sails" will create a romantic image of the theater. At the same time, such facades will shade the premises, while allowing enough sunlight to pass through. In winter, they will create a "greenhouse effect" by heating the interior, and in summer they will help to ventilate it.
The theater will be connected to the right bank by a motor road, and to the left - by pedestrian bridges. Greened public spaces with views of the city and the surrounding landscapes will be created around the building.
