Innovative “Heli-stage” Has Spiraling Open-Air Staircase That Doubles as a Stage

ATAH - Heli-Stage - CTC

In eastern China's city of Shaoxing, a cylindrical tube with a spiraling staircase cut into the middle is the centerpiece of a new commercial center. Designed by Shanghai-based architecture firm ATAH, the Heli-stage is a masterful showcase of their vision for a continuous exhibition space.

The Heli-stage seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor space and is located at the main entrance of the China Textile Center (CTC)—also designed by ATAH. The CTC, which sits at the heart of the Keqiao Science City, mixes artistic and commercial areas that highlight Keqiao's status as an important hub for the production and trade of textiles. Nothing emphasizes that union of ideas more than the Heli-stage, with its functional spiral staircase doubling as a stage.

The glazed cylinder is composed of interlocking geometric shapes, which seem woven together into an exoskeleton that wraps around the building's steel inner-core. Sleek, yet dramatic, it's easy to imagine the emotional impact of a performer slowly descending the spiral onto center stage.

To celebrate the concept, the studio launched a joint venture with jewelry designer iRiffle. The resulting limited edition pendant pays homage to the shape and form of this dynamic piece of contemporary architecture.

The Heli-stage is the dynamic centerpiece of Shaoxing's new China Textile Center.

ATAH - Heli-Stage - CTC

Contemporary Architecture in China by ATAH

Contemporary Architecture in China by ATAH

ATAH - Heli-Stage - CTC

ATAH - Heli-Stage - CTC

Contemporary Architecture in China by ATAH

In collaboration with iRiffle, the architectural studio produced a limited edition pendant commemorating the design.

ATAH & iRiffles - Heli-stage Pendant

ATAH & iRiffles - Heli-stage Pendant

ATAH: Website
h/t: [dezeen]

All images via ATAH.

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Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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