In 2025, Ho Chi Minh City cut the ribbon on the Phu Tho Circus: a multi-purpose performing arts theater of epic proportions. This landmark building towers 13 storeys into the air, including a 2,000-seat main performance hall. It’s Vietnam’s largest circus centre, and we were delighted to be called in to help take its design to the next level.
As an entertainment venue, the circus stage is where the magic happens — and the client had fittingly lofty ideas for the incredible feats that could take place there. Akvo’s lift systems unlocked a wide range of stage configurations that would otherwise be impossible in a traditional theatre venue, using a system of 3 submerged mobile platforms. One setup creates a shallow pool, positioning platforms at the perfect height for performers to honor the centuries-old Vietnamese art form of water puppetry.
The floor can also transition into a pool deep enough for high-dive and water-based shows, or morph into a surface that’s able to accommodate artificial ice boards for skating performances. In its neutral „fixed“ position, the stage can be home to all kinds of awe-inspiring performances, from ziplines and triple ladders to aerial belts and acrobatics. When it’s time to roll out the stored wagons, it can also be transformed into a sand pit.
GALA SYSTEMS(TM) – our sister company also played a role in the incredible transformation:
When mapping out this space, the client identified a need to store massive mobile wagons used for animal shows and sand-based performances without sacrificing valuable square footage. We got to work designing a custom lift system that brought the consultants’ and architects’ visions to life. The GALA backstage storage lift is equipped with 8 Spiralift® units, allowing the stage to move massive loads.
Looking ahead
While Phu Tho only just opened its doors, the venue is equipped for many, many years of success. Looking ahead, our installation is designed for the venue to evolve alongside the world’s most ambitious productions. The movable pool floor, for example, offers possibilities that even the most legendary shows haven’t harnessed yet!
| This milestone marks AKVO’s first installation in the performing arts sector |
Phu Tho Circus
- Pool surface: 225 m² (2 x 80.4 m² + 1 x 64.2 m²)
- Length: ± 20 m
- Width: ± 12 m
- Travel: 4.5 m
- Shape: D-Rectangular shape
- Finish: Anti-skid BLACK HDPE PLASTIC
- Static loading: 750 kg/m²
- Spiralift®: 33 IL150 (2 x 12 + 1 x 9)
- Speed: 200 mm/min
AKVO SPIRALIFT® – Fully customizable solutions
- Maximum safety – closes the pool when not in use
- Water depth on demand – allows for a wide range of aquatic activities
- Superior design – a load capacity that meets local standards & a fully hidden drive mechanism
- Eco-friendly solution – minimizes evaporation and heat loss from the pool when not in use
- Reduce cleaning time – protects pool from harsh weather and debris
Transformations in minutes, at the touch of a button!