A VIEW: NEWHAVEN'S CINEMA & THEATRE

The brief was to restore the first floor above Newhaven library to provide another space for the community. It must have transgressively accommodate two types of community groups together to create a new community space. This would then will help rejuvenate Newhaven’s high street. One particular community event is the cinema, hosted by the Hillcrest Film Society. For a town of nearly 13,000 people this is the only cinema which only runs for once a month for 10 months. To relocate the film society to a more permanent space above the library will allow people to have a more stable space to gather and enjoy a film properly. Theatres and cinemas draw in a steady crowd, of all ages and interests. It is a focal point where friends, family and different people can gather under one roof. It is also a place where the town’s boundaries can meet. There is a constant barrier between private owned areas and public areas throughout the town- especially in the industrial side. Playing on the sense of sight and sound, the boundaries and function of what is a private and public area will blur. Allowing people to unconsciously observe and participate in the act of voyeurism- similarly to the cultural exchange at the Great Exhibition in 1851. Speakers and screens in bathrooms, offices and back of the theatre house projecting a different rooms activates, atmosphere, conversations, interactions in order to distort these boundaries.

disclaimer: all images/artworks are my own unless otherwise stated

CONCEPT MODEL

Inspired by Dilo, Scofido and Renfro’s Slow House, this model focuses on the relationship between the windows facing Newhaven high street and the ones at the rear of the site. Without any light projecting through, the model illustrates moments of opportunities for anyone to become a voyeur.

These images of SLOW HOUSE have been sourced from the internet and are only here as reference.

PROJECTIONS & ANALYSIS

The following 3D lighting drawing focuses on the relationship between the windows facing Newhaven’s high street and the one at the back of the site. Without any projections, the model illustrates these moments of opportunities for anyone to become voyeur. Through the windows and doors, you can observe without necessarily being seen.

You may also like