Home » Design of Movie Theatre

Design of Movie Theatre

Movie theatres or cinema a theatres is not just a mere space; it is an important place where the real world comes in close contact wit the reel world. It is a world, which gives recreation to the thousands of movie lovers all over the world. The design of movie theatre, from past days to the present, has been chalked according to the product or screened shows and the social environment.

The design of movie theater was done with the aim that it gave ultimate scope to the cinema-goers to blend with the fictional and fantasy world. In the past movie shows were mobile; showmen used to travel all around and had cinema stalls for the public viewers. The design of such traveling cinema stalls was unique; gaudily lit electric bulbs created a sheen and shimmer along with the beautifully decorated motifs. The electric bulbs in a way were a precursor of the interesting play of light and shade that was to be seen on the silver screen at the beginning of 20th century.

Gradually came the time when permanent settlements were made for cinema or movies. They were specimens of strong and solid masonry.

The unique features of such kind of cinema buildings, greatly inspired and influenced by theatre designs, were:

Huge and grand front entrance
Lobby which was lot of space
Class-based seats and stalls
A screen that was broad
Piano or an orchestra pit next to the screen

From cinerama to drive-ins to the latest 3D cinema halls the design of movie theatre has varied and acclimatized itself to the need of the hour. Nowadays the movie theatres or cinema theatres also refer to domestic space or family venues. The cinema screen is designed as sleek as possible; your auditorium is your living space. You can model your home or living space to a studio in case of arthouse movies; a salon for premier theatres whereas it can be an empty bedroom if you are watching a pornographic cinema.

While talking, of design of movie theatre mention must be made of drive-in or open air theatres conceptualized by Richard Hollingshead; the cinema lovers could enjoy watching a movie from the comfort or luxury of their own cars. He experimented it in his own car on the driveway at 212 Thomas Avenue, Camden, New Jersey. What he did for drive-in theatre experience was that he placed a Kodak projector on his car hood. He projected it on a screen that was mounted on a tree in the backyard and had used a radio for sound effect. The design of modern drive-in theatre was modeled much on the same pattern; speaker system in the car itself is a modern development.

Historic movie theatres with grand architectural setup are a thing of the past. Classical film spaces have now evolved into modern multiplexes and megaplexes. The multiplexes are designed with state-of-the-art sound and projection systems. Spacious seating arrangement along with options for great snack experience in the bars and restaurants is an integral part of modern day’s megaplex and multiplex design. Seats are reserved for the VIP’s and child care facilities are provided here.