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Shaolin's flying monks blasted into the sky above mountainous amphitheatre
Latvian practice Mailitis Architects have designed an amphitheatre with a unique wind tunnel for a band of levitating monks.
The Shaolin Flying Monks Theatre has been built on Songshan Mountain in central China – a Unesco World Heritage that is home to the Shaolin Monastery, traditionally considered to be the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Kung-Fu martial arts.
The monks who live on the mountain develop skills in many scenic arts, all of which will be demonstrated in their new 230-capacity arena. The most dramatic performances will come when the monks take flight; the vertical wind tunnel blasting them into the sky.
The theatre’s design was inspired by the shape of two symbols – a mountain and a tree.
“The architectural image pays respect to the beauty of surrounding nature and the historical heritage of the site,” said Mailitis Architects in a statement. “The building method combines modern and ancient technologies. A laser-cut steel superstructure supports stone steps handcrafted using local quarry resources.”
The building has four basic functional zones: the stage, the three-storey interior area, the wind tunnel’s engine room and the mountain-like exterior surface, which has the stone stairway built into its side.
This sweeps up the building and around the auditorium and the tree-like wind tunnel, gradually transforming into the seating area.
Summarising the project, the architects said: “The temple is an attempt to build a landmark by creating a mutual respect between history and future, nature and scientific development, and Eastern and Western philosophies.”
![The theatre will be used by the Shaolin Flying Monks Theatre / Ansis Starks The theatre will be used by the Shaolin Flying Monks Theatre / Ansis Starks](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/HIGH18187_581117.jpg)
![The stone steps of the theatre are built into its sweeping exterior / Ansis Starks The stone steps of the theatre are built into its sweeping exterior / Ansis Starks](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/HIGH18185_47249.jpg)
![The theatre is designed to resemble a mountain, with the wind tunnel evoking a tree / Ansis Starks The theatre is designed to resemble a mountain, with the wind tunnel evoking a tree / Ansis Starks](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/HIGH18186_229633.jpg)
![Up to 250 people can sit and watch the action unfold / Ansis Starks Up to 250 people can sit and watch the action unfold / Ansis Starks](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/HIGH18188_781238.jpg)