GOA Completes Sunken Theater in China for Raptors and Audiences
In the Jiangsu countryside of Wuxi, the Earth Valley Theater has been finalized by the Hangzhou-based studio GOA. This sunken amphitheater, accommodating 2,300 seats, is intended for both humans and wild raptors. Commissioned by Yaohu Town for an ecological narrative performance, the theater spans 9,200 square meters and merges architecture with avian behavior. Its design mimics birds' flight paths, featuring a T-shaped valley and three cuboid entrance halls. Zigzagging decks allow for the separation of human movement from aviary areas. The venue is equipped with flicker-free LED lighting, automated sliding doors, and directional speakers for sound management. It also adheres to China's Green Building Evaluation Standard Two-Star Rating. The completion date for the theater was in 2025.
Key facts
- GOA (Group of Architects) completed the Earth Valley Theater in Yaohu Town, Yixing, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China, in 2025.
- The theater is a 2,300-seat sunken amphitheater designed to allow wild raptors to fly at eye level over the audience.
- Commissioned by Yaohu Town for an ecological narrative show staged for both humans and birds.
- The theater covers 9,200 square meters (99,028 sq ft).
- The design was developed in parallel with theatrical direction by Yueshang Studio and avian behavioral consultancy by Puy du Fou.
- Acoustic engineering was done with consultant EZPro using directional line-array speakers.
- The concrete finish references Yixing's 'Pottery Capital' status with a rammed-earth coating.
- The aviary zone uses woven HDPE cladding on a low-carbon steel frame, mimicking bamboo fiber.
- The project meets China's Green Building Evaluation Standard Two-Star Rating or higher.
- Soil excavated from the sunken pit was reused on-site for earthwork balance.
Entities
Institutions
- GOA (Group of Architects)
- Yaohu Town
- Yueshang Studio
- Puy du Fou
- EZPro
- Wutopia Lab
Locations
- Wuxi
- Jiangsu Province
- China
- Yaohu Town
- Yixing
- Suzhou
- Zhuzhou