Red Bricks and Curved Forms Create a Dynamic Coastal Experience
In the coastal city of Haikou, China, One Plus Partnership has designed a distinctive cinema lobby at Haikou Gaoxingli Insun Cinema, using red bricks to create wave-like forms that evoke the nearby sea. These organic shapes, rising from the floors and ceilings, provide a sensory experience unlike typical cinema interiors.
A Design Inspired by the Sea
The architects were inspired by Haikou’s coastal environment, with the goal of capturing the essence of the ocean’s rippling surface without relying on the typical blue colour. By using red bricks, which are made from sand, the design subtly connects the cinema’s interior to its beachside location.
Immersive, Natural Light Effects
Unlike traditional cinema spaces, the lobby features openings that allow natural light to filter through, casting shifting shadows on the brick surfaces throughout the day. This approach enhances the dynamic aesthetic of the space, where light, texture, and colour continuously change.
Curved Brick Forms as Functional Sculptures
The curved, wave-like brick forms serve a dual purpose. They rise from the floor to create reception counters and booths, while arched shapes suspended from the ceiling hide lighting and air vents. The entire space is enveloped in this continuous, flowing design that blurs the line between architecture and sculpture.
Integrated Lighting for a Nighttime Transformation
In the evening, integrated lighting within the perforated bricks of the floor and ceiling adds a soft, indirect glow. Uplighting highlights the suspended arches, transforming the space into a warm, inviting atmosphere.
A Layered and Dynamic Aesthetic
The space is designed to emphasise layers, with brick forms rising and creating visually interesting interactions. For safety, the overhanging and protruding elements are painted in grey to contrast against the monochrome brickwork, helping to prevent accidental collisions.
Enhancing the Cinema Experience
The design extends beyond the lobby. The main auditorium is framed by curving wooden forms, drawing on the way the South China Sea surrounds Hainan Island. Integrated lighting and sculptural elements continue to add to the immersive, dynamic experience, creating a space that celebrates both function and artistry.
Challenging Conventions
One Plus Partnership sought to move away from conventional cinema designs, crafting a space that offers a memorable communal experience. This contrasts with the solitary experience of home viewing, ensuring that every visit to the cinema is unique and engaging.
Through bold design choices, One Plus Partnership has created a cinema lobby that offers more than just a waiting space—it is an immersive experience that draws inspiration from Haikou’s coastal landscape and redefines what a cinema can be.