Date of Submission
Spring 5-4-2020
Degree Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Architecture
Department
Architecture
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Selen Okcu
Abstract
Cinema and Movie Theater spaces are dwindling in attendance, while community-gathering areas are thriving. Digital media platforms have taken over the need for an extra expense in the household. The goal of this project is to increase the community members' attendance rate to their local theatre through the development of innovative design solutions that amplify social component of theatres. More specifically, the project aims to turn a local theatre complex into a community hub. Which will incorporate social spaces along with designated theatrical spaces that are responsive to emerging cultural, social, and technological demands via design.
According to trend of the national statistics, the attendance rate of theatres has decreased drastically over the last 10-15 years. Due to technological advances, people now have more alternative resources. These opportunities allow them to watch movies virtually from anywhere. The discrepancy between responsiveness of the physical space to new demands and peoples' preferences is growing. The stereotype design of the traditional theatrical spaces limits any customization per the needs of the audience or the nature of the performance. On the other hand, ability to flex design and acoustic features allows spatial reconfiguration by engaging audience, maximizing interaction and allowing audience to take the ownership of the space.
This project aims to remove the dictating theater based program idea of the current design by assembling and incorporating flexible design features throughout the community hub including social spaces and designated acoustic spaces. This will be achieved by repurposing the existing local theatre building. While maximizing the indoor and outdoor connectivity, the parking lot will transform into a walkable green outdoor space that will also contain designated open-air acoustic spaces, as well as an underground drive in theater. Overall, it is not unrealistic to assume that in 5-10 year time period movie theatres will be fully discarded. Without any intervention, there will be no designated physical space for theatres. We need new design solutions to enhance the theatrical experience of community members.