Studio Gang Architects’ Incredible Origami-Shaped Starlight Theater Opens and Closes Like Flower Petals

When we think of super cutting-edge design, we think of New York City or London, not Rockford, Illinois! But with their origami-shaped Bengt Sjostrom Starlight Theatre, Jeanne Gang of <a href="http://www.studiogang.net/work/1998/starlighttheatre">Studio Gang Architects</a> has proven that you don't have to go to the big city to see incredible architecture. Completed in 2003, this project is an oldie but a goodie worth revisiting, not only because it's just so doggone beautiful, but because it demonstrates what can be done <a href="http://inhabitat.com/quotel-is-a-polish-pop-up-hotel-that-makes-recycled-materials-look-posh/mode-lina-quotel1/">on a limited budget</a>.

This is an oldie but a goodie worth re-visiting

Not only because it's simply beautiful, but because it demonstrates what can be done on a tight budget

Studio Gang Architects helped Rock Valley College in Illinois keep their outdoor theatre

Without it having to be shut down in inclement weather

The origami-shaped retractable roof folds down onto itself when necessary

But when it's open, the audience can feel like they're still outdoors!