Newtown Cinema

Brief: The purpose of this project was to design a boutique cinema and cafe for Newtown, Wellngton, NZ. The proposed cinema is located on 50 Riddiford Street, in an area that mediates the downtown and residential area of Newtown.

The concept explored was curiosity and how the cinema allows one to satisfy the inquisitiveness one has of the world. It was important to respect the housing nearby and create an environment that catered to both movie-goers and the local community. To achieve these goals the cinema was to be constructed underground, much like Alice's rabbit hole into Wonderland. This would open up the site for a park and acoustically insulate the cinema. Throughout the park are ice berg-like structures that would let natural light into the cinema below as well as allowing the curious to see what is happening below them.