Deconstructivism in Design: The Beauty of UA Cinemas

Oft Interiors Ltd. Unveils a Masterpiece in Shanghai

Deconstructivism, a movement that began in the 1980s, is about breaking free from tradition, questioning established rules, and challenging dominant frameworks. This philosophy, originally proposed by French philosopher Jacques Derrida, has influenced numerous architects and is evident in designs that lack harmony, continuity, and symmetry. Oft Interiors Ltd. has embraced this movement in the design of UA Cinemas, creating non-rectilinear shapes that exude unpredictability and controlled chaos. By disassembling space, they have redefined its usage.

The essence of deconstructivism permeates the entire cinema, starting from the lobby. The ceiling is not flat; instead, irregular columns descend from above, each housing lights. The contrast between champagne gold and greyish blue is intensified by these shapes. Despite the seeming lack of harmony, a consistency is maintained through the use of color. The white columns contain champagne gold highlights, while the metallic champagne gold columns conceal white lights, creating a sense of controlled chaos.

The design was realized using materials like marble, fabric, and custom painted sheets. Covering an area of 5,188 sqm, the project took 10 months to complete. The design team, led by C.M. Jao and Ken Cheung, faced the challenge of fusing the ideas of deconstruction and construction, particularly in the VIP lounge and lavatory sections. Here, lines and forms were deconstructed, while colors were used to construct.

Despite the overwhelming nature of the deconstructivist movement, the design of the screening houses is subtler, allowing the focus to shift to the movies themselves. Here, shades of purple, grey, and black are displayed calmly, with rectilinear shapes only appearing on the sides. This subtlety suggests that deconstruction is part of a cycle, a process of defining new constructs in preparation for another movement.

The design of UA Cinemas is a testament to the power of deconstructivism in challenging traditional design norms and redefining space usage. It is a reflection of the designers' inner selves, a mirror that reveals their breakthroughs and self-doubt. This project was awarded Silver in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2019, a testament to its remarkable design and innovation.