CLAD PEOPLE
Shaolin’s flying monks blasted into the sky above mountainous amphitheatre
L
atvian practice Mailitis Architects have designed
“The architectural image pays
an amphitheatre with a
respect to the beauty of surrounding
unique wind tunnel for a
nature and the historical heritage
band of levitating monks. The Shaolin Flying Monks
of the site,” said Mailitis Architects. “The building method combines
Theatre has been built on Songshan
modern and ancient technologies.
Mountain in central China – a
A laser-cut steel superstructure
Unesco World Heritage Site
supports stone steps handcrafted
home to the Shaolin Monastery,
using local quarry resources.”
traditionally considered to be
There are four functional zones:
the birthplace of Zen Buddhism
the stage, the three-storey interior
and Kung-Fu martial arts.
area, the wind tunnel’s engine
The monks who live on
IMAGES: ANSIS STARKS
blasting them high into the sky.
room and the mountain-like
the mountain develop skills
exterior surface, which has the
in many scenic arts, all of
stone stairway built into its side.
which will be demonstrated in
Summarising the project, the
their new 230-capacity arena,
architects said: “The temple is an
which is designed to resemble
attempt to build a landmark by
a mountain and a tree.
creating a mutual respect between
The most dramatic performances
history and future, nature and
will come when the monks take
scientific development, and Eastern
flight; the vertical wind tunnel
and Western philosophies.” l
The Shaolin Flying Monks Theatre before a show
The vertical wind tunnel, created by manufacturer Aerodium, (above) shoots monks into the air during flying routines (left)
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