Haikou, the southernmost provincial capital in China, is surrounded by the sea, evoking the warmth of an autumn breeze with a subtle hint of pumpkin fragrance. The designer’s vision was to create a cinema deeply connected to Haikou’s natural environment, without relying on the typical ocean blue palette. Instead, bricks were chosen as the central design theme—crafted from sand, a key element of the marine ecosystem—emphasizing sustainability and a close relationship with nature.
Upon entering the space, visitors can easily imagine an engaging narrative unfolding. The inherent qualities of bricks allow for the creation of stunning and enduring environments. Arranged meticulously in a wave-like pattern, these brick waves ripple layer by layer, visible from every angle. The building’s numerous windows invite natural daylight, which plays across the red brick waves, adding depth and texture through light and shadow. Lighting fixtures and ventilation openings are cleverly concealed within the curves of the waves, only noticeable when looking upward.
Each brick is identical in size, but by varying their quantity, the design forms undulating waves with different curvatures. Deeper within the cinema lobby, the wavy ceiling is mirrored by an undulating floor, which also shapes tables and seating areas for guests to relax and wait comfortably.
The bricks form walls stacked carefully like neatly arranged books in a library. While the texture and grain of the bricks are pronounced up close, the overall ambiance is softened by a warm topaz-orange hue that envelops the entire space. The lobby’s design essence is perceptible in any lighting—whether bathed in sunlight or subtle artificial light.
The small waves on the floor are painted gray on their sides, subtly differentiating them from the dominant color scheme and making their shapes recognizable from a distance. Lighting integrated into these waves serves both aesthetic and safety purposes, helping guests avoid tripping. Nearby, a wavy counter curves gracefully with slopes flowing in varying directions, enhancing the fluidity of the design.
The cinema features a dedicated children’s activity area where young visitors can relax, play, and enjoy themselves while accompanying their parents. Cylindrical pipes weave through the ceiling, and colorful blocks of soft velvet fabric are arranged in a brick-like pattern. These hues complement the overall atmosphere, creating a warm and cheerful environment.
A halo of cylindrical lights circling the ceiling emphasizes its layered design. Hand-drawn, whimsical figurines are woven into handmade carpets, depicting playful actions such as floating, dancing, and jumping. Surrounded by soft colors and lively patterns, this space brings fun and vitality to the cinema, reflecting the designers’ understanding that cinemas are also popular destinations for children.
The cinema houses 13 theaters, including the world’s largest LED screen. The design language throughout the cinema remains consistent, blending vibrant colors and dynamic textures. Inside the theaters, colors appear to dance across walls and floors like a brushstroke freely moving through space.
The space’s texture and color palette resonate throughout the cinema. Precise, three-dimensional fabric cuts convey artistic flair, while bold, avant-garde color combinations form layered wave shapes. One theater draws inspiration from tiger lily petals and rough bricks, repeating these elements to create a striking sense of depth.
A continuous lighting strip runs vertically along the walls, reminiscent of a book’s page edge—flat and seamless. Wall decorations extend to the ceiling with smooth curves, maintaining enough height and clearance to ensure visitor safety. Aesthetically, the design subtly evokes the warmth of a blanket wrapped around the islands of the South China Sea—the gentle embrace of waves and tides, expressing a joyful, comforting emotion.
Project Drawings
△ Plan View
△ Plan View
△ Plan View
Project Information
Architect: Yizheng Planning
Area: 6006 m²
Year: 2024
Photographer: Lei Tantan
Manufacturers: Puxun Decorative Cabinet Co., Ltd., Hubei Zengchu Construction Co., Ltd., Shaoxing Meibo Intelligent Audio and Video Co., Ltd.
Lead Architects: Luo Lingjie, Long Huiqi
Design Team: Yizheng Planning
Client: Hainan Xintiandi Yinxing Film Co., Ltd.
Location: Haikou, China
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