VISION

Located in one of the city’s prominent urban areas, is a single-screen cinema from the early 1970s. This once important cultural landmark has now been overtaken by the more versatile and modern multiplexes and retain centres.

Thus, the client sought to carry out a study on the potential for development of this land into a landmark mixed-use development for the city. With one foot in the future, the design of this urban centre seeks to communicate the idea of rootedness through the choice of materials and the geometry of the façade.

DESIGN

The development has at its heart, a public plaza. With the plaza as the focus of this experience, we sought to visualize the façade of the building as an outdoor room – coherent architectural gesture that becomes a memorable and repeating leitmotif.

We were inspired by the architecture of the Ahoms and especially the proportions of the arches. It felt appropriate to explore such a powerful visual element in an interesting and new way on the façade of this new urban landmark.

By combining the geometry of the traditional architecture with the sleekness of modern materials such as glass and steel, we were able to make a unique space that is at once exciting and rooted.
It is inviting, warm and has an understated simplicity that makes this development a place to return to.