The rear auditorium has a grass roof
to reference the former garden space
that it now occupies. This is also of
an acoustic benefit as the mass of the
build-up is beneficial in absorbing
sound leakage. The interior design
objectives were to restore as much of
the existing building as possible and
take a datum line for new and old.
The door head height of 2.2m is the
datum level and everything above this
point has been restored. Below this
point ribbed oak wall cladding has
been installed which also conceals
the service runs and heaters. The 12th
rib on the panelling is a wider strip to
represent 12 frames per second based
on the early silent movies and when
the eye begins to read movement.
In the auditoriums JDA worked closely
with acoustic specialists to achieve high
performance levels without compromising
on design. The high quality digital
projectors and receivers make the venue
more than a traditional cinema. The Kino
(building operator) show live theatre
events, ballet, opera, sporting events and
much more alongside the vast variety of
film which makes the venue appeal to a
varied and wide audience.
Architects: Jonathan Dunn Architects www.jdarchitects.co.uk
Photographs: Oliver Perrott
Main Contractor: R.Durtnell & Sons ltd
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