National Centre for Performing Arts

The National Performing Arts Center in Beijing opened on December 22, 2007. Its shell consists of over 18,000 titanium plates and approximately 1,200 sheets of ultra-transparent glass forming an effect of rising curtain. Only four plates have the same shape. To reduce noise, special sound gates were used. The center can withstand pressure equivalent to the weight of a giant aircraft carrier. Servicing the center requires significant expenses for water, electricity and facade cleaning.