complex material assembly

BLACKPOOL CINEMA & WOMEN’S REFUGE Emma Wood Form work investigations informed the spatial development of the second ‘lobby’ between the key programmatic elements. Solid concrete wraps and guides the cinema goers into the auditoria, and provides visual protection for the refuge. The buildings behind act as ‘form work’, shaping the concrete element. Constantly being reoccupied both the cinema and refuge require an element of temporality in their materials and construction. The concrete lobby area contrasts this with its permanence.

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To ensure that the area immediately outside the auditorium is as dark As possible, the concrete skin is brought forward from the auditorium envelope, creating a set back entrance to highlight its public nature.

Sarah Featherstone - Essex Rape Crisis and Incest centre.

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Sketch section 1:20 presented at March review - angled concrete soffit

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Safe but not hidden away. Consultation rooms protrude from the concrete wall, inspired by Featherstone’s cocoons.

Cinema goers pass underneath the main auditorium before entering the lobby. Light cascades down the rough concrete.

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Sketch section 1:10 Presented at March review

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5 Hair salon accessed through existing market

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3 First contact with the refuge is through a secret cafe or hair salon located in the market which leads to the space.

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1:200 diagrammatic plan

The space was initially intended to be an external space where users of the refuge, cinema and market would cross paths. Model studies at 1:200 developed led to the functions being separated with the cinema lobby internal and the refuge entrance external.

Sketch models 1:200

Form work concept.

A seat cast into the main concrete Wall provides a place to sit and pause before entering or Leaving the refuge.

The refuge door is flush with The concrete to reflect its ‘hidden’ nature.

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Residents of the refuge have glimpses of the concrete wall, creating a feeling of safety.