Renzo Piano’s Hanoi Performance Center Mirrors a Mother of Pearl
Image: © RPBW
Featuring a mother-of-pearl silhouette, the newly conceived Isola della Musica presents an impressive feature in Hanoi’s landscape. Crafted by the Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW), this performance venue serves as a connector between two lakes and is destined to be a new landmark admired from all sides. The design incorporates innovative building techniques, utilizing available land rather than constructing on the water.
This emerging structure, rising from the lake, will function as a hub for cultural activities. Made from slender ribbed concrete comparable to eggshells, it will feature an exterior covering of radiant ceramic tiles that will also function as a protective rain barrier. The inner layer not only enables sound insulation but also offers structural reinforcement in select areas.
Since its inception in 2017, the complete $500 million initiative has been exclusively financed by the Sun Group, which is a key player in substantial developments across the nation, including the renowned pedestrian bridge supported by giant hands near Danang. With the establishment of Isola della Musica, Sun Group is enhancing Vietnam’s cultural landscape with the venue’s publicly accessible and performance areas.
Within, two auditoriums accommodating over 3,200 spectators will be supplemented by a museum and venues for concerts, operas, ballets, and award ceremonies. All of this is thoughtfully integrated into a tranquil design that overlooks the lake. Scheduled to launch in 2027, its architecture promises not just a new landmark for the region but will also shine as a testament to innovative design in challenging environments.
Renzo Piano has created an exceptional performing arts facility nestled between two lakes in Hanoi.
Image: © RPBW, rendering by Aesthetica Studio
Image: © RPBW, rendering by Aesthetica Studio
Image: © RPBW, rendering by Aesthetica Studio
Image: © RPBW, rendering by Aesthetica Studio
The Isola della Musica, with a budget of $500 million, will host operas, concerts, ballets, and gala events.
Image: © RPBW, rendering by Aesthetica Studio
Image: © RPBW, rendering by Aesthetica Studio
Image: © RPBW, rendering by Aesthetica Studio