Shaolin Flying Monks Theater,
design: Mailitis Architects
On the slope of China's sacred Songshan Mountain stands the Shaolin Flying Monks Theater, a project by Latvian office Mailitis Architects that seems to break the laws of gravity. Thanks to a wind tunnel, Shaolin monks float in the air, combining their traditional skills with 21st century technology. Erected at a site of great spiritual significance, this amphitheater hides more than you might think - from its unusual design to its surprising dialogue with history.
The Shaolin Flying Monk Theater, erected on Cypress Hill, draws on this heritage, offering space for spectacular shows
photo by Ansis Starks © Mailitis Architects
Songshan - the spiritual context of theater
Songshan Mountain has been called the "Center of Heaven and Earth" for centuries and remains one of the pillars of Chinese culture. It is here that Shaolin Monastery, the cradle of Zen Buddhism and Kung-Fu martial arts, is located, which has made the region famous around the world. Thanks to its history, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Shaolin Flying Monk Theater, built on Cypress Hill, draws on this heritage, offering space for spectacular shows while respecting the nature and past of the area. The symbolism of the mountain and tree in its form and the combination of ancient and new construction techniques make it a project worth exploring further.
symbolism and architectural thought
The shape of the Shaolin Flying Monks Theater is based on two motifs - a mountain and a tree. The mountain, an integral part of the Songshan landscape, symbolizes permanence and strength, while the tree alludes to life and harmony with nature. These inspirations are found in the construction: the solid stone base resembles rocky slopes, while the lightweight steel superstructure on top brings to mind spreading branches. As a result, the building seems to blend seamlessly with its surroundings while standing out in the landscape.
Shaolin Flying Monks Theater - building plan
© Mailitis Architects
The theater was designed with levitation performances in mind, making it a unique building on a global scale. A key element is a stage with a wind tunnel that allows artists - including Shaolin monks - to present acrobatics in the air. The project combines the traditional skills of the monks with modern technology, preserving the spirit of the local culture and bringing it into a new framework. Although the main purpose is for demonstrations, the flexibility of the space allows for a variety of artistic events, giving the theater a multifunctional character.
The Shaolin Flying Monk Theater has a stage with a wind tunnel
photo by Ansis Starks © Mailitis Architects
structure and functional layout
The structure of the theater is divided into four zones: the outdoor area, the stage, the indoor space and the engine room (a specially designed technical space located under the stage of the amphitheater, whose main function is to house and operate aerodynamic equipment, in particular the wind tunnel). The exterior has both practical and aesthetic functions. The stairs covering the facade adapt to the terrain, providing natural lighting for the interiors and promoting airflow to the wind tunnel. Their upper levels surround the stage, creating an amphitheater for spectators.
Shaolin Flying Monk Theater - a view from afar
photo by Ansis Starks © Mailitis Architects
The interior of the theater is laid out over three floors, with rooms for visitors, artists and technical facilities. The construction combines traditional craftsmanship and modern technology - the stone steps were handmade from local material, while the steel superstructure was created through precision laser cutting. This contrast of materials and methods reflects the idea of a design that intertwines the past with the present.
Shaolin Flying Monk Theater - longitudinal cross section
© Mailitis Architects
in harmony with nature and culture
The location on Cypress Hill is no accident. The theater was designed to harmonize with nature - its layered form resembles the natural terrain, and the openwork structure at the top opens it up to the Songshan landscape. This layout promotes contact with the environment, which is important in a place with such a strong spiritual charge.
Nearby is the Shaolin Monastery, which for centuries has attracted pilgrims and tourists interested in Buddhism and martial arts. The theater fits into this tradition, offering a new form of artistic expression that draws on the skills of the monks. The levitation demonstrations, made possible by a wind tunnel, are a contemporary development of their physical prowess and discipline. Mailitis Architects' design blends local heritage with global trends, opening them up to a wider audience.
Shaolin Flying Monks Theater - interior view
photo by Ansis Starks © Mailitis Architects
organic architecture and modernity
The form of the theater follows the principles of organic architecture, focusing on compatibility with the environment. Flowing lines, layered construction and the use of stone emphasize this direction. The staircase, leading to the upper levels, serves a communicative function while creating a viewing space, which promotes interaction with the landscape.
role and significance of the project
The Shaolin Flying Monk Theater is an example of architecture that weaves together various threads - from its historical roots to modern technologies. It respects its surroundings while offering a new quality in cultural space. Mailitis Architects created a space that combines the past with the future, and nature with human ingenuity. The Cypress Hill Theater enriches the Songshan landscape, offering new artistic and tourist opportunities. It is a place where tradition takes on a new dimension and architecture becomes a bridge between generations.
Compiled by Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of Mailitis Architects.
