Makeover of Lao-Song Performance Hall

Lao-Song Elementary School, has a history of over one hundred years. However, with the decrease of population, there has been a sharp drop in the number of students, and the school is faced with the crisis of being shut down. The New Ark is an innovative use of its Multifunction Building to revitalize the space and bring new life to the old school building, so that the school can keep pace with the times.

In accordance with architectural features in the nearby Bopiliao Historic Block, a similar color scheme is adopted in the hall. Also, the upper platform of the stage has arch windows, while the balustrade around audience seating on the third floor features an alternation of double hollow tiles and green-glaze bottle railing. The ceiling of the hall is structured with timber truss, and on the walls are red-brick arches. All these add cultural and historical elements to the hall. In this way, local culture and customs are incorporated into its design.

A second platform is constructed on the stage and, free from the width and depth of a regular stage, allows for potential use of vertical performances. As a result, there is more diversity in forms of performances. The stage is also outfitted with 5 lifting rods, so that lighting and curtain adjustments can be made to meet different performance needs, contributing to more flexibility in the setting and lighting. Acoustic absorbent synthetic upholstery on the walls is strengthened to prevent sounds from leaking out and from reverberating indoors and interfering with viewing quality. Indirect lights are recessed in the steps on the seating area, and emergency exit lights are also fitted on the walls to facilitate directing the flow of people. Red lanterns in the hall evoke a retro feel while providing illumination in contrast to that in the seating area, which is equipped with underground air conditioning to regulate temperature and humidity as well as getting fresh air in. In so doing, power consumption of air conditioning is reduced, and thus the hall is energy saving.