‘Iconic’ is a word often overused by architects and yet for Arte Charpentier Architectes’ latest completed project to term seems entirely fitting. Shanxi Grand Theater is a sculptural offering in the swiftly developing area of Taiyuan, located in a recently-established region of Changfeng and brings a bold new flavour to the fore. The arresting form stands proudly on the edge of a river under the shadow of the Lüliang and Taihang Mountains, a symbol of the region’s burgeoning prosperity. A 1,600-capacity performance space is placed at the north end of the volume, supported by 1,000- and 600-seater halls at the opposite end. These scarlet performance spaces are encased in a metal shell which captures the bright sunshine of Taiyuan and reflects its back, changing shade throughout the day.