1. Overview of the Phu Quoc Multipurpose Performance Hall Project in the Context of APEC 2027
1.1. Multipurpose Performance Venue – A Key Cultural Component of the APEC Convention Center
Belonging to the Phu Quoc APEC Convention Center, the Multipurpose Performance Hall is one of the most significant components within the overall project serving APEC 2027. With a total investment of up to VND 21,860 billion for the entire area, the facility not only meets the requirements for large-scale conference and event infrastructure but is also positioned as a national symbolic cultural and artistic space.
Among the main components including the Convention and Exhibition Center, auxiliary areas, and technical infrastructure, the Multipurpose Performance Hall serves as the cultural highlight, hosting artistic programs, opening and closing ceremonies, diplomatic events, and high-level exchange activities within the framework of APEC 2027 . The facility is planned in a synchronized manner, closely integrated with the conference space, yet maintaining its distinct identity and function.
Perspective of the Multipurpose Performance Hall. (Source: Collection)
Alongside Phu Quoc International Airport – an important gateway for trade and foreign affairs, the Multipurpose Performance Hall in particular, and the Phu Quoc APEC Convention Center in general, contribute to completing the strategic infrastructure ecosystem, reflecting Vietnam's stature, position, and capacity to organize major international events in a new development phase.
1.2. The role of architecture in shaping Phu Quoc's image in the new era
Beyond its function of serving conferences or artistic performances, the Multipurpose Performance Hall was defined from the outset as an iconic architectural work, representing Phu Quoc's image in a period of strong transformation, aiming to become a regional tourism – event – cultural center.
In the context of Phu Quoc increasingly being positioned as an international destination, the architecture of key projects must not only be modern and large-scale but also tell a story of identity, culture, and national spirit. The Multipurpose Performance Hall is therefore expected to become a new identity mark for the Pearl Island, a convergence of art, architecture, and Vietnamese cultural values in a contemporary language.
This role has set very high demands on design thinking from the very beginning: the project must simultaneously meet the strict technical standards of a theater – a large-scale performance space, and be capable of becoming an architectural symbol associated with international events like APEC 2027. This is also an important premise for selecting leading design consulting firms to participate in the project.
2. Who is the design consultant for the Phu Quoc Multipurpose Performance Hall?
The selection of a design consulting firm for the Phu Quoc Multipurpose Performance Hall was determined from the outset to be a key factor, as this is not merely a construction project but also a cultural – architectural symbol representing Vietnam in the context of APEC 2027. The project brings together two leading international names: SOM and Apeiro, ensuring global standards for a project of national stature.
2.1. SOM – A world-leading architectural consulting firm
SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill) is an architecture – engineering consulting firm headquartered in the United States, ranked among the most influential design firms in the world in the field of iconic structures, convention centers, theaters, and representative national infrastructure projects. With decades of experience, SOM has participated in the creation of many structures associated with global political, cultural, and economic events, where architecture not only serves its function but also plays a role in conveying the image, status, and identity of the host nation.
SOM's outstanding strength lies in its ability to master complex architectural – structural challenges, especially large-scale public works requiring open spaces, large spans, and column-free solutions. SOM possesses extensive experience in organizing symbolic forms, while integrating advanced technical solutions to ensure safety, optimize operations, and meet stringent international standards for construction techniques, fire prevention, evacuation, and sustainability.
Aerial view of the Multipurpose Performance Hall architecture designed by SOM. (Source: Collected)
In the Phu Quoc Multipurpose Performance Hall project, SOM undertakes the role of overall architectural design consulting and structural solutions, laying the foundation for the entire spatial form and structure of the building. This is a category requiring exceptionally high standards as it serves large-scale performing arts and is ready for high-level political – diplomatic events within the framework of APEC 2027. With its experience in designing globally iconic structures, SOM contributes to ensuring the Multipurpose Performance Hall not only meets technical and functional standards but also becomes an architectural landmark worthy of Phu Quoc's role on the international event map.
2.2. Apeiro – Specialist consultant for theater and performance spaces
Alongside SOM in the Phu Quoc Multipurpose Performance Hall project is Apeiro – an international consulting firm specializing in theaters, performance centers, and large-scale performance spaces. Apeiro is known for its human-centric design approach, particularly in balancing technical elements, artistic emotion, and long-term operational efficiency.
Apeiro's core strength lies in its ability to organize versatile performance spaces with stringent standards for acoustics, audience sightlines, stage layout, and circulation. Each of Apeiro's designs is meticulously studied to ensure optimal listening and viewing experiences from every seat in the house, while also flexibly accommodating various types of performances, from classical arts and contemporary shows to large-scale political and diplomatic events.
Apeiro undertakes interior design consulting for the Multipurpose Performance Hall. (Source: Collected)
In the Phu Quoc Multipurpose Performance Hall project, Apeiro plays a key role in completing the "soul" of the work – the venue for international-scale art programs, ceremonies, and events. This unit ensures the theater is not only aesthetically pleasing but also operates efficiently, meeting the stringent performance standards for opening and closing ceremonies, high-level conferences, and key cultural events within the framework of APEC 2027.
In the long term, Apeiro's participation will also help the Phu Quoc Multipurpose Performance Hall become a sustainable cultural and artistic institution, capable of hosting top-tier performance programs, international events, and regular cultural activities after APEC. This contributes to enhancing the quality of Phu Quoc's cultural infrastructure, gradually turning the pearl island into a destination for regional and global art and conference events.
2.3. The combination of global architectural thinking and theater expertise
The special feature that creates the distinct value of the Phu Quoc Multipurpose Performance Hall is the close combination of two complementary professional approaches: SOM's global-scale architectural and structural thinking, and Apeiro's in-depth expertise in performance spaces. This is a common collaboration model for international iconic projects, where architecture must not only be impressive in form but also operate effectively in practical use.
In this project, SOM served as the "backbone" of the structure, responsible for shaping the overall architecture, organizing the large-span structure, and solving the complex technical challenges of a large-capacity, wide-span theater. SOM's approach aimed to create a highly iconic structure, structurally sustainable, functionally flexible, and meeting the stringent safety and technical standards for high-profile political-diplomatic events like APEC 2027.
The combination of SOM and Apeiro promises to create a new iconic structure for Phu Quoc. (Source: Collected)
In parallel, Apeiro focuses on the “soul” of the Multipurpose Performance Hall – the interior space where performances, ceremonies, and events take place. From the auditorium layout, the view from every seat, the acoustic treatment for various types of performances, to the functional conversion capabilities between artistic performances, opening and closing ceremonies, and large-scale conferences, everything is meticulously studied to ensure an international standard experience.
The collaboration between SOM and Apeiro helps the project avoid the pitfall of “beautiful architecture but difficult to use” – a common challenge for iconic structures. Instead, the Phu Quoc Multipurpose Performance Hall is oriented from the outset as a truly multifunctional space: both an architectural symbol for APEC 2027 and a long-term operational performance and event center, serving international art, cultural, and conference programs after APEC.
It is this intersection of global architectural thinking and specialized theater expertise that lays the foundation for the Phu Quoc Multipurpose Performance Hall not only to fulfill its role in APEC 2027 but also to become a new cultural and event hub, contributing to elevating Phu Quoc's position on the regional tourism, conference, and art map.
3. Design Concept for Phu Quoc Multipurpose Performance Hall: Eastern Philosophy of Heaven – Earth
3.1. Circular Form – Symbol of Heaven in the Master Plan
The Phu Quoc Multipurpose Performance Hall is designed as a circular structure, symbolizing Heaven in Eastern philosophy, situated next to the Convention Center with a square form – representing Earth. This circular-square combination creates a balanced Heaven-Earth philosophy, possessing both aesthetic qualities and conveying a message of harmony between nature and humanity.
Square design perspective, symbolizing Earth of the APEC Convention Center. (Source: Collected)
The circular shape not only creates an iconic mark but also optimizes interior space. Inside the building, the floors are organized flexibly, serving diverse event types – from conferences, art performances to international programs, ensuring convenience and operational efficiency. The open design helps utilize natural light and wind, creating an airy spatial experience, connecting the interior with the surrounding landscape.
3.2. Architectural language connected with Vietnamese culture and legends
The building combines Eastern architectural language with modern construction technology, creating a complex that is both iconic and optimized for use. The Mái Nhà (Roof House) multipurpose performance hall is inspired by dragon scale patterns, recalling the legend of “Con Rồng cháu Tiên” (Dragon and Fairy Descendants), symbolizing sacred origins and Vietnamese cultural strength.
Architectural details are meticulously crafted: 50 pillars symbolize the 50 children who followed their father to the sea, combined with circular-square masses and stylized images of bamboo groves, creating harmony between national tradition and modern design thinking. The overall architecture honors Vietnamese identity while meeting international standards, worthy of being the iconic Multipurpose Performance Hall for APEC 2027 and the image of Phu Quoc in its new development phase.
4. Scale and space of the Phu Quoc Multipurpose Performance Hall
4.1. Technical specifications and capacity
The Multipurpose Performance Hall Phu Quoc is one of the key projects of the APEC Convention Center, notable for its roof area of up to 17,200 m² and a diameter of 148 m, creating a massive architectural volume that is harmonious with the overall area. The building consists of 6 above-ground floors and 1 basement, optimally designed for both artistic performances and conferences, exhibitions.
Multipurpose Performance Hall designed with a capacity of over 4000 seats. (Source: Collected)
With a capacity of 4,094 seats, the Multipurpose Performance Hall is capable of hosting art programs, opening and closing ceremonies, international conferences, as well as large-scale cultural and entertainment events. The design features a spacious, airy environment, combined with a flexible auditorium layout, to maximize audience visibility while ensuring international standards for safety, comfort, and attendee experience.
4.2. Interior Space – Modern, Flexible, and Experiential
The interior space of the Phu Quoc Multipurpose Performance Hall is organized in an open model, with limited columns, creating continuity and openness, allowing the audience to have a panoramic view from every seat. This design also allows for customizable seating arrangements, stage, and performance areas, meeting the diverse needs of art performances, conferences, and international events.
Interior design perspective of the Multipurpose Performance Hall. (Source: Compilation)
The architectural system utilizes natural light and ventilation, combined with modern lighting, sound, and air conditioning technology, providing a comfortable and environmentally friendly experience. This space not only serves conference and performance activities but also a place where audiences can feel the harmony between modern architecture, Vietnamese cultural identity, and the natural landscape surrounding Phu Quoc Island.
Thanks to the combination of international architectural thinking and flexible functional solutions, the Multipurpose Performance Hall becomes an international-class performance-event center, fully meeting the requirements of APEC 2027 and the long-term development orientation for Phu Quoc.
4. Construction Progress of the Multipurpose Performance Hall towards APEC 2027
The Multipurpose Performance Hall in Phu Quoc, belonging to sub-zone S2, is being constructed at a very rapid pace, demonstrating the determination to complete the project before APEC 2027. As of December 2025, the foundation of the structure has reached 95% completion and the rough construction has reached 20.5%, ensuring a solid technical foundation for subsequent items.
For the Convention and Exhibition Center in sub-zone S3, the foundation work has been 100% completed and the rough construction has reached 31%, creating an important technical premise for the implementation of giant column-free structures – a prominent feature in the modern and flexible design of the project. The completion of the foundation ensures absolute safety requirements and load-bearing capacity, allowing subsequent items to be erected with high precision.
The foundation of the Multipurpose Performance Hall has reached 95% completion. (Source: Collected)
The project was built from June 2025 and in less than 6 months, the overall progress of the two main items, the Convention Center and the Multipurpose Performance Hall, has been maintained at about 33% of the total construction volume, demonstrating the smooth coordination between engineering teams, construction, and design consulting units.
The steel structure erection is expected to be completed by January 31, 2026, followed by exterior finishing on June 30, 2026, and interior finishing is expected by January 31, 2027. With this progress, both the Multipurpose Performance Hall and the Convention Center will be ready about 10 months ahead of the APEC 2027, ensuring sufficient time for inspection, trial operation, and preparation for high-level events.
The urgency in construction, combined with modern technical solutions, ensures that the Phu Quoc Multipurpose Performance Hall not only meets international standards for structure and safety but also serves as a prominent architectural symbol, harmonizing with the entire APEC Convention Center complex, contributing to enhancing the image of Phu Quoc and Vietnam on the international stage.
With the investment from Sun Group and the participation of SOM and Apeiro, the Phu Quoc Multipurpose Performance Hall is not just a facility for APEC 2027 but also an iconic architectural work, a convergence of international design excellence and Vietnamese cultural depth.
