Unleashing Creativity: Tianjin Insun Lotte Cinema

Ajax Law & Virginia Lung's Innovative Design for a Children's Cinema

The cinema, a collaboration between China and South Korea, draws inspiration from the concept of an 'animal athlete meet'. This theme is a nod to the friendship between the two countries and serves as a delightful attraction for young cinemagoers. The lobby greets visitors with a backdrop of 3-dimensional lines, or 'tracks', in strikingly colourful hues. Ticket desks are fronted by large cut-outs of wild animals, creating a flamboyant and engaging atmosphere.

The design of the cinema is unique in its ability to blend aesthetics and functionality. The interior is dominated by a minimalist style, with white walls and floor surfaces. However, the space is brought to life by 3-dimensional tracks and cut-outs of animals, each with a TV on their back playing various movie trailers. The tracks not only add to the visual appeal but also serve a utilitarian purpose, with text screens hidden within the ceiling tracks.

The corridor leading to the theatres continues the theme of the 'animal athlete meet'. Foxes and baboons lend their backs to provide seating, while other animals appear to compete on the tracks. The vibrant theme is further emphasized by ribbons on the ceiling that transform into monkeys and 3D wording light boxes, guiding audiences to their desired movies.

The cinema's design was realized using a variety of materials, including carpet, quartz stone, acoustic panel, and plastic laminate. The project, completed in February 2013 in Tianjin, China, spans a total area of 4500sqm. The design process involved overcoming creative challenges to meet the client's objective of creating a cinema that would appeal to children and function as a playground.