The new Hanoi Opera House will be a cultural landmark for Vietnam – a multi-venue complex that will integrate performance, rehearsal and creative spaces into what will become a symbol of Hanoi’s sophistication and creative spirit.  

Located on the shores of West Lake, the city’s new Opera House and its accompanying neighbourhood redevelopment is one of Vietnam’s most ambitious cultural projects to date.

The Hanoi Opera House is designed by Arup in collaboration with world-renowned architect Renzo Piano Building Workshop as well as PTW Architects and Theatre Projects. Arup has contributed structural and building services engineering, as well as acoustic design, digital modelling and other building design services, all while helping shepherd through an environment-led process in the project’s creation.

Our expertise has helped realise the developer’s ambition to leverage the power of the performing and visual arts by creating social environments that enhance, incubate and promote the spirit and expression of a new Vietnam. The 1,800-seat concert theatre and 500-seat multipurpose theatre, as well as flexible rehearsal and creative spaces, will provide Hanoi with an arts centrepiece ready to draw artists and visitors from around the world. Designed for cultural and environmental sustainability, and inspired by nature, Arup’s design work will help this project bring positive change to Hanoi and Vietnam.

Building Information Modelling

The Hanoi Opera House’s roof is one of the largest concrete shell roof structures in the world, supported at only four points and separated from the building’s internal structure, with a design inspired by the oyster shells once harvested in West Lake. To create the form of the roof, Arup created an advanced algorithm with RPBW, one of the first instances of introducing digital approaches to design in Vietnam.

This bespoke digital tool enabled us to optimise the design, striking the balance between structural integrity and tight geometrical restrictions. The improved design minimised material usage, which significantly reduced costs and embodied carbon.

Using a state-of-the-art computer simulation, we were able to determine the possible impact of an earthquake on the structural integrity of the shell roof. A physical wind tunnel test supported the simulation by detailing the wind flow around the geometrically complex shell and the effects on the building’s ventilation system and surrounding piazza, providing confidence in the design.

gif of hanoi opera house structural integrity
Model illustrating the potential impact of an earthquake on the structure.

Acoustic consulting

Drawing on the resources of our global offices and the skills of some of the world’s best acoustic specialists, we designed a project that recognises that the optimal acoustic environments vary significantly for different types of performances. Our design focused on embedding features that promote adaptability into the architectural concept.

Minimising background noise across all performance, rehearsal and practice spaces was also a key design driver to improve the quality of the occupant experience. These design features allow the venue to operate multiple performances simultaneously without disturbance.

Render of aerial view of Hanoi Opera House

The Hanoi Opera House will host a diverse range of artistic experiences for visitors. © Renzo Piano Building Workshop 

Render of Hanoi Opera House

If the entire building was scaled down to the size of an egg, its roof would be even thinner than an eggshell. Image © Renzo Piano Building Workshop 

 
Partners & collaborators

Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW) / PTW Architects / Theatre Projects