![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/10/dzn_Red-Diamond-by-Chiasmus-Partners-14.jpg)
Red Diamond by Chiasmus Partners
Architects Chiasmus Partners have converted a former factory into a dance centre and theatre in the Dongcheng district of Bejing, China.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/10/dzn_Chiasmus-Partners-10.jpg)
The project, named Red Diamond, involved covering the exterior of the existing building with a faceted shell made of evenly-spaced steel tubing.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/10/dzn_Chiasmus-Partners-08.jpg)
Elements of the original building such as the front door remain in place.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/10/dzn_Chiasmus-Partners-13.jpg)
The area in front of the main building is to be used as an open-air performance space.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/10/dzn_Chiasmus-Partners-09.jpg)
A separate white, box-like structure accommodates a bar and seating overlooking this courtyard.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/10/dzn_Chiasmus-Partners-06.jpg)
Spaces in the main building include a performance hall and practice studio.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/10/dzn_Chiasmus-Partners-11.jpg)
Here's some information from the architects:
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Red Diamond
Located in the historic DongCheng district of Beijing, the project calls for a conversion of old factory complex into a dance center with a performance hall, a practice hall and a saloon.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/10/dzn_Chiasmus-Partners-12.jpg)
With the intention to emphasize the public character of the new dance center, the concept was to make the courtyard an outdoor “theater” – a public space that would revitalize the complex, the hutong and its neighborhood.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/10/dzn_Red-Diamond-by-Chiasmus-Partners-15.jpg)
By wrapping the old factory building with evenly-spaced-out steel tubing, the facade of the performance hall was perceived as a theater stage.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/10/dzn_Chiasmus-Partners-07.jpg)
Above: the original building
The old white door in the middle was kept and untouched, telling the history of the building’s transformation.
![dzn_Chiasmus Partners 05 dzn_Chiasmus Partners 05](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/10/dzn_Chiasmus-Partners-05.gif)
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The white floating box opposite to the performance hall is a saloon which was perceived as box seats overlooking the stage on the other side.
![dzn_Chiasmus Partners 03 dzn_Chiasmus Partners 03](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/10/dzn_Chiasmus-Partners-03.gif)
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At the same time, people in saloon are also being seen upon entering the complex.
![dzn_Chiasmus Partners 04 dzn_Chiasmus Partners 04](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/10/dzn_Chiasmus-Partners-04.gif)
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There is a blurred boundary between stage and seats. The relationship between seeing and being seen are constantly reversed.
![dzn_Chiasmus Partners 01 dzn_Chiasmus Partners 01](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/10/dzn_Chiasmus-Partners-01.gif)
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Credits:
Architect: Chiasmus Partners
Principal Architect: James Wei Ke, Hyunho Lee
Project Team: Oscar Ko, Gu Yun Duan, Feng Bo
Client: Beijing Modern Dance Company
Location: Beijing, China
Program: Performance Hall, Practice Hall, Saloon
Project years: 2008-2009
Photographer: Chiasmus, Jenny Hung
![dzn_Chiasmus Partners 02 dzn_Chiasmus Partners 02](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/10/dzn_Chiasmus-Partners-02.gif)