Hanoi’s Floating ‘Island of Music’ Opera House to Debut by 2027
Hanoi has revealed plans for a striking floating opera house, dubbed the 'Island of Music'. Designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, this cultural gem is set to grace the waters between West Lake and Đầm Trị Lake by 2027.
The opera house, a collaboration between Renzo Piano Building Workshop and PTW Architects, will be a centrepiece of a larger cultural park in Tay Ho Ward. It will boast a 1,800-seat opera auditorium and a 1,000-seat congress hall, along with a museum and event spaces.
The exterior will feature a unique 'pixelated' ceramic facade inspired by the delicate forms of oyster shells and the iridescence of pearls. The main structure is made from thin-ribbed concrete shells formed by 3D catenary curves, optimised using advanced computational modeling and BIM techniques by Arup. This innovative design aims to minimise the building's carbon footprint.
The opera house will appear to float on the water's surface, creating an island-like structure that harmonises with its natural surroundings. It is part of a broader masterplan to redefine Hanoi's urban landscape.
Scheduled for completion in 2027, the 'Island of Music' promises to be a lasting landmark and cultural treasure in the heart of Hanoi. This futuristic floating opera house, a result of integrated expertise from architecture, theatre, and engineering, is set to become a symbol of Hanoi's commitment to arts and innovation.
