United Cinemas Unicus Chichibu: A Cinema Complex Designed as a Living Room for the City

Reviving the Movie Theatre Experience in Chichibu

The United Cinemas Unicus Chichibu stands out from other cinema complexes due to its unique approach to design. The goal was to create a space that would not only cater to moviegoers but also be open and inviting to those who may not typically watch movies. The concept was to design the cinema as a living room for the citizens of Chichibu, a place where they could gather, relax, and enjoy themselves.

Chichibu is known for its natural beauty, with attractions such as Mt. Buko, Nagatoro River, and the historical views of the town. The cinema complex successfully incorporates these elements, bringing the essence of the city's nature into its design. The use of nature-inspired materials, such as slate stones and woods, creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, further enhancing the living room concept.

The United Cinemas Unicus Chichibu boasts seven screens, covering a total area of 2,490.68 square meters and accommodating a capacity of 650 seats. Most of the screens have a capacity of less than 100 seats, allowing for a more intimate and personalized movie-watching experience. Additionally, one of the theaters is equipped with a 3D projection system, providing an immersive viewing experience for moviegoers.

Technologically advanced, the cinema complex features laser projectors by Barco in all of its theaters. This ensures high-quality visuals and an enhanced cinematic experience for the audience. The complex also incorporates a full automation projection system and a digital signage system, adding to its modern and innovative appeal.

The United Cinemas Unicus Chichibu not only serves as a movie theater but also plays a vital role in the city's cultural and social life. The project was a collaborative effort between the municipal office, the developer, and United Cinemas to promote the city and encourage citizens to visit the cinema. The cinema's strategic location on the main road from Tokyo makes it a prominent landmark, attracting both locals and tourists.

The cinema complex embraces the city's identity by incorporating the mascot character, PoteKuma-kun, into its exterior signage and advertisements. This collaboration with the local community, including newspapers, radio stations, and local TV news, has helped familiarize citizens with the cinema and create a sense of excitement and anticipation.

The United Cinemas Unicus Chichibu project spanned over 10 years, starting in 2019 and finally being realized in 2022. Chichibu, with its population of approximately 60,000 people, is a renowned tourist destination in the Kanto region. The cinema was strategically built adjacent to an existing neighborhood shopping facility, further contributing to the city's vibrancy.

Extensive research went into the design of the cinema complex, considering the needs and preferences of the local community. The curtain wall facade was chosen to make the cinema easily accessible and inviting to both moviegoers and passersby. The lobby, designed as a sunroom, creates a seamless connection between the interior and the surrounding nature. The use of natural materials, such as slate stones and woods, adds to the overall aesthetic and ambiance of the space.

One of the main challenges faced during the design process was determining the seating capacity. Despite the small population of the city, it was decided to have a larger number of halls with smaller seating capacities. This decision allows for a diverse range of movie screenings and ensures that the cinema remains a vibrant hub for the community.

The United Cinemas Unicus Chichibu is not just a cinema complex; it is a living room for the city, embracing movie culture and providing a space for people of all generations to come together and enjoy. The project's success can be attributed to the collaboration between the municipal office, the developer, and United Cinemas, as well as the incorporation of the city's natural beauty and the use of cutting-edge technology.

Image Credits: All photos by P&D Consulting

Awards and Accolades: The United Cinemas Unicus Chichibu was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2023. This prestigious award recognizes designs that exhibit creativity, resourcefulness, and technical excellence, contributing to improvements in quality of life.