United Cinemas Urawa: A Cinema Complex That Transcends Entertainment

A Unique Blend of Art, Culture, and Cinema

The United Cinemas Urawa, designed by Ichiro Katami and Kunihisa Akiyama, is not your typical cinema complex. It is a unique fusion of art, culture, and cinema, where visitors can immerse themselves in a world of intellectual curiosity and entertainment. This cinema complex goes beyond the traditional concept of a movie theater, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that combines the sophistication of a museum, the comfort of a library, and the excitement of a cinema.

The snow-white lobby, reminiscent of an art museum, welcomes guests and immediately captivates their attention. With its white walls, white ceiling, and dark tone floor, the lobby challenges the conventional notion of what a cinema should look like. It is a space that sparks curiosity and invites exploration. As guests make their way through the lobby, they are treated to a mesmerizing view of the glass-in projection room, stretching over 70 meters. This unique feature allows visitors to witness the inner workings of the cinema, from the projectors to the films and xenon lamps, all displayed with informative instructions.

United Cinemas Urawa takes the concept of a cinema museum to a whole new level. The Cinema Museum showcases the history and technology of cinema, offering a glimpse into the fascinating world behind the silver screen. It houses a collection of artifacts, including a 35mm Film Projector, a Xenon Lamp, 35mm and 70mm films, an Open Reel, and various tools. This immersive experience not only entertains but also educates, providing visitors with a deeper appreciation for the art of filmmaking.

Adding to the allure of United Cinemas Urawa is the Library Cafe, a haven for movie enthusiasts and book lovers alike. With a collection of 1000 books related to movies, the Library Cafe offers a unique opportunity to delve into the world of cinema while enjoying a cup of coffee in the comfort of cinema chairs. This space is open to all customers, even those without movie tickets, creating a vibrant atmosphere where people can relax, read, and engage in conversations about their favorite films.

When it comes to the design and realization of United Cinemas Urawa, the team employed innovative techniques and materials. High-performance acrylic resin emulsion white paint was used for antifouling, ensuring that the pristine white surfaces remain pristine. The glass walls of the projection room not only provide a captivating view but also serve a functional purpose. The smoke glass has a shading rate that allows customers to see the projector while minimizing any disruption to their viewing experience.

United Cinemas Urawa boasts an impressive array of specifications, including 9 screens, covering a total area of 7,131 square meters, and a seating capacity of 1665. This cinema complex is a testament to the seamless integration of art, architecture, design, innovation, and technology, creating a space that transcends entertainment and becomes an immersive cultural experience.

The United Cinemas Urawa project, which began in 2005 and was completed in 2007, is located in Saitama, Japan. It was designed with the intention of creating a cinema that is not isolated but rather connected to its surroundings. By seamlessly blending with the shopping mall and the City Library, United Cinemas Urawa becomes an integral part of the building, inviting visitors to explore and engage with its unique offerings.

Overcoming various challenges, the designers successfully transformed the projection rooms from hidden spaces to prominent features. This required rethinking traditional design concepts and implementing changes such as the use of smoke glass walls and reimagining staff operations. The projection engineers, who are typically inconspicuous, are now easily visible through the glass walls. To ensure their visibility, they wear distinctive red attire, making them stand out in the cinema landscape. This flexible approach to design and harmonization of elements was crucial in creating a cohesive and captivating cinema experience.

The United Cinemas Urawa is a testament to the power of design to transform spaces and create unique experiences. With its blend of art, culture, and cinema, this cinema complex has redefined the traditional movie theater and offers visitors a truly immersive and intellectually stimulating experience. It is no wonder that this design was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2018, recognizing its outstanding creativity and contribution to quality of life improvements.