In the heart of Sichuan Province, Chinese architecture firm Air-CoLAB Studio has designed a unique ring-shaped amphitheatre that harmonizes with nature and modern design. Located on an island within the vast Luxelakes Eco-City, this open-air venue blends sculptural white concrete with lush surroundings, offering a serene space for cultural events and quiet reflection.
A new focal point for luxelakes eco-city
The Luhu Ring of Starlight, designed by Air-CoLAB Studio in collaboration with engineer HDEC, is an amphitheatre situated on an island in Vortex Park, Luxelakes Eco-City, Chengdu. The park itself is a sprawling ecological complex featuring an 850-hectare man-made lake system in the rapidly developing Tianfu New District.
This amphitheatre, named for the way its white concrete structure reflects on the lake’s surface at night, forms the heart of a pedestrian bridge crossing Luhu Lake. The structure serves multiple purposes — as a stage for performances, a meeting point for recreational activities, and a quiet retreat for visitors seeking to enjoy the natural surroundings. Its ring-shaped design mimics a lotus leaf, integrating organic form with functional architecture.
Design that invites pause and contemplation
Lead architect Lin Zaiguo of Air-CoLAB Studio explained that the amphitheatre was conceived as a “pause point” along the park’s circulation route. The design fosters interaction and contemplation, providing framed views of the lake and protecting visitors from surrounding noise.
A set of large steps descend from the pedestrian bridge to form the amphitheatre, which seats about 100 people. The stage, positioned at water level, is shaped like a lotus leaf, emphasizing its connection to nature. Above the stage, a suspended walkway offers panoramic views of the lake, while an enlarged section of the bridge’s railing at the rear creates a pavilion that shelters visitors from wind and rain.
Seamless integration with nature and activity
Despite being centrally located, the amphitheatre offers a sense of seclusion, surrounded by water and accessible only via a forest walkway or by boat. Constructed from exposed white concrete, the structure contrasts strikingly with the surrounding greenery, while the material’s texture enhances its sculptural quality.
Zaiguo noted that the white concrete reflects natural light, enhancing the minimalist and clean aesthetic of the space. The goal was to create “living architecture” that supports the existing activities around Luhu Lake, such as swimming and water sports, while offering a peaceful environment for reading groups and quiet gatherings. “The architecture frames the view of nature naturally, drawing attention away from distractions and creating a meditative space,” Zaiguo said. This harmonious blend of function and form highlights the design’s success in realizing its vision of a natural dialogue between built environment and landscape.
Luxelakes eco-city and future developments
Luxelakes Eco-City spans 5.5 square kilometres and combines high-end residential apartments, office buildings, retail spaces, and extensive parks and lakes. It is becoming a hub of innovative architecture and ecological urban planning.
Recently, Dutch design studio MVRDV revealed plans for the LuLa Light Mall within the district, featuring a towering 99-metre commercial building. This highlights the area’s rapid growth and increasing appeal as a cultural and commercial centre.
Elsewhere in China, contemporary architecture is also embracing nature and adaptability. Projects such as container-based pavilions by Practice on Earth and Increments Studio, and a sea-front pavilion with leaf-like sails by GN Architects, reflect a trend of integrating sustainability and biomimicry in design—an ethos clearly shared by Air-CoLAB Studio’s ring-shaped amphitheatre.
This innovative amphitheatre at Luxelakes Eco-City not only adds a stunning architectural landmark to Chengdu’s landscape but also invites visitors to experience nature through thoughtful, immersive design — a perfect example of how modern architecture can enrich ecological spaces and community life.
