ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Beijing's Shell Theatre Renovated by DUTS Design with 10% Interface Strategy

architecture-design · 2026-07-08

The Shell Theatre, an outdoor venue from the 2008 Olympics on an island within Beijing's Chaoyang Park, has been renovated by DUTS design. The project follows a low-intervention '10% interface renovation' strategy, avoiding total demolition. It redefines the symbiosis between the performance space, public park, and riverside landscape, aligning with the Liangma River cultural front master plan. The 14,900 m² site features landscape design by Liu Xiaohui and Liu Xiaoxuan, with a team led by Zhong Ling. The client is Beijing Kuntai Holding Group Co., Ltd. The renovation was completed in 2025.

Key facts

  • Shell Theatre is located on a central island in Chaoyang Park, Beijing.
  • The theatre was originally built for the 2008 Olympics.
  • DUTS design led the renovation.
  • The project uses a '10% interface renovation' strategy.
  • Total demolition was avoided.
  • The renovation aligns with the Liangma River cultural front master plan.
  • The site area is 14,900 m².
  • The client is Beijing Kuntai Holding Group Co., Ltd.

Entities

Artists

  • Zhong Ling
  • Peng Xu
  • Feng Zhenduo
  • Zhang Yan
  • Yang Linbing
  • Liu Xiaohui
  • Liu Xiaoxuan

Institutions

  • DUTS design
  • Beijing Kuntai Holding Group Co., Ltd.

Locations

  • Beijing
  • China
  • Chaoyang Park
  • Liangma River

Sources