DESA1002 'Continuous City' David Tagg

Abstract

This semester my site was located within the city of Isfahan. I have designed two cinemas with a café with outdoor seating and an outdoor screen. The two cinemas are fully enclosed structures while the café, foyer and entries and exits are all open and bright spaces. I have contrasted different sections of the building not only by the function but by the amount of light that is let into the building. Each cinema has 2 levels to create a special atmosphere, and not one of just seeing a movie. Going to the cinema and seeing a movie is a very popular form of entertainment in Isfahan and these new cinemas will expand the range of films and the facilities to the people. The cinema however does support Female produced and directed films as this is a new area in cinema. In their culture, Females have always been under strict rules in terms of what they can do, who they can be with etc… This cinema aims to break down some of the strict rules and give Females equal status in their culture. A café is provided with outdoor seating, so people can enjoy the fresh air and socialize with others after the movie. This outdoor ‘courtyard’ is very important within their culture and lifestyle. There is also an outdoor screen with the ability to show movies outside at night. This creates a calming and relaxed atmosphere as you get the cool breezes at night while you are outside watching a movie. The building is set into the ground as to not become higher than the surrounding buildings, and it is clad with film to help establish its function and purpose.