Chiayi City Jhih Hang Elementary School｜Soaring Through the Arts

“The stage is not just a place for performance, but also a bridge between the emotions and thoughts of the actors and the audience.”

— 《EMPTY SPACE》 Peter Brook

Designing a Transformed Space: Creating Southern Taiwan’s Largest Performing Arts Demonstration Hub

The audiovisual classroom at Zhihang Elementary School had outdated equipment, with fixed tiers and plastic seating limiting spatial flexibility. As the school’s only large indoor venue, it must support teacher training, international exchanges, performances, and also function as a model classroom for performing arts education.

Paper-Airplane Imagery to Express Freedom and Creativity

Inspired by the concept of a “paper airplane,” the design reflects the school’s spirit and the boundless creativity of performing arts. The ceiling became the central focus of transformation—removing the old grid system, adding rigging, and suspending professional theater lights and curtains to allow teaching conditions to shift fluidly. Circulation and access were redefined by adjusting entrances and window layouts to improve daylight and openness. Systematic storage was introduced to ensure teaching materials and mobile furniture could be properly organized, enhancing both cleanliness and functionality.

Flexible Planning to Support Diverse Performance Needs

The front portion of the tiered seating and fixed chairs was removed, allowing the space to be reorganized into a stage area, fixed audience seating, storage, and a control room. The enlarged stage accommodates varied teaching and performance formats. With its adaptable layout, the space seamlessly supports performing arts classes, proscenium-style productions, experimental theater, and teacher training sessions, establishing a versatile and innovative learning environment for the performing arts.