Xiangyang Fanyue Mall International Cinema

Large screens showing the trailers of movies are commonly found in modern cinemas. Walking into the cinema, you will not find these traditional screens but rows of small televisions. They are generated from the idea of “dark box” used for shooting in the 18th century. Through an abstract transformation, their forms are presented in a harmonious manner. Dark box can be considered as camera’s predecessor, it is an optical instrument that reflects images on the screen. As light enters the dark box through the lens, it is reflected through a mirror onto frosted glass, forming an image on the glass.

Dark boxes morph into rectangular columns that crisscross each other in the lobby ceiling, forming a dynamic ceiling feature. The angular arrangement gives a clean finish to the ceiling feature, the columns are also installed at different heights to enhance the spatial effect. The columns are produced from aluminium panels painted with a light color wood pattern, becoming the dominant visual element with black walls and ceiling.

Small televisions are installed at the end of these columns, playing clips from different films, which resemble images reflected in dark boxes. The other end of these columns is decorated with light bulbs, not only adding a distinctive impact to the ceiling feature, but also illuminates the space. Columns formed by LED screens are placed in between the aluminium columns, the thickness of these columns are slightly different from the others, and stylish graphics are projected on these screens, adding varieties to the ceiling feature.

The columns are not only decorative, but also merged into the facilities of the cinema. Rectangular columns overlap and transform into ticket counter and concession counter, echoing with the ceiling feature. Columns are also laid down and placed along the wall in corridors, those near the floor become benches for the audience to rest and relax, where columns are also suspended from the ceiling to indicate auditorium number. Unlike decorations that can only be admired, the audience can actually use these ornaments. Different shades of gray are used in the carpet, the pattern imitates the overlapping of columns, appearing as shadows these columns cast on the floor, linking the decorations in the entire lobby.

The theme of dark box extends to the design of auditoriums. The ceiling and walls of the auditorium are covered with a massive map of rectangular columns, which are made of acoustic panels. Light bulbs are installed at the end of these columns, bringing the lobby’s decoration into the auditorium. Rectangular patterns are also applied on the carpets, harmonizing with the linear form of ceiling feature and wall decorations.

The main color scheme of the auditorium is yellowish orange, bathing the space in a warmer and gentler atmosphere, the audience can relax while waiting for the film to start. The design theme is also demonstrated in the washroom. Columns in the lobby are broadened and becomes hand wash basins. This not only connects the washroom design with the lobby feature, but also enables the audience to closely interact with the sculptural installation.

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