CABR Auditorium Renovation
China Academy of Building Research has led the renovation and redesign of the CABR Auditorium, a city renewal project in Beijing, China.
When the Beijing Railway Station was under construction in the 1950s, in order to verify the feasibility and reliability of the new type of thin-shell, large-span structure, three sets of 1:1 physical arch shell models were built within the Institute of Building Research.
After the experiments, the arch shells were added and reused as the auditorium of the Institute of Building Research, forming a layout consisting of a stage, an audience hall and a screening and office area.
"The researchers participated in cultural and entertainment activities, watching the latest films and left countless precious memories," said CABR.
To preserve the historical memory of the auditorium to the greatest extent, the renovation plan constructed a complete structural system internally, so the original brick-concrete walls and arch roofs no longer served as the main structural components.
As a result, the plain brick walls underwent professional cleaning and protection treatment. Those with intact water-washed stone finishes were preserved, while the damaged parts were strictly restored to their original state, based on their historical style.
This project has been shortlisted in the office and industrial project category of Dezeen Awards China 2025.
Studio: China Academy of Building Research
Project: CABR Auditorium Renovation