Traversing perspectives, enduring generations, interweaving memories, amplifying nuances and bridging antipodes: stories—real, imaginary or somewhere on the spectrum—have been intrinsic to cultures and what we deem human. Storytelling, whether written, oral, aural or visual, is a transient portal to elsewhere—another world, a fictitious vision or perhaps someone else’s life; it offers a brief pause in our versions of the mundane. In the contemporary world, where cinema is a dominant medium of storytelling that people frequently engage with, Hong Kong-based practice One Plus Partnership envisions a theatre in Shenzhen that elevates the much-loved weekend avocation. The Cinesky Cinema in Nanshan exudes a tone of transition, where one steps out of reality and into the all-encompassing world of cinema. Crisscrossing grids projected on dark walls and inviting corridors delineate an immersive experience for cinema enthusiasts.

Since its inception in 2004, One Plus Partnership, helmed by directors Ajax Law and Virginia Lung, has designed the interiors of cinemas, restaurants, retail stores, clubhouses, sales offices and commercial offices. Each interior design follows distinct thematic concepts, which, despite their differences, allude to the practice’s characteristic flair. The designers explore themes that suit specific projects, visualising them over and over again in multiple ways. Traces of these themes assume various forms in details and elements across projects, as the interiors strive to take on a life of their own. Cinesky Cinema in Shenzhen draws from One Plus’s extant oeuvre while also establishing its uniqueness.

For the theatre, the team’s efforts were channelled towards creating a space that is both cohesive and distinctive; this understanding also outlined the construction costs for the Chinese designers. The inspiration for the theatre design is derived from memories of the first collaboratively designed cinema. The grid projection, along with the three-dimensional metal strip design referencing some of the studio’s previous projects, come together to mark the integration of architecture and the cinematic world. Connections between the two cinemas subtly reveal themselves through the space. Although the concept and building blocks of the interiors are visually singular, the Cinesky Cinema echoes One Plus’s creative propensities, from playing with lines and angles to harmonious repetition and futuristic semantics. “This allows audiences to feel the design resonance that transcends time and space the moment they step into the cinema,” reads the project’s official release.

The cinema lobby, one of the highlights of the entire project, treats the visitors with a striking composition of grid-like projections adorning the monochromatic and minimalist colours of the floor and walls. The projection lights illuminate the otherwise scantily-lit space, and a constant play of shadows unfolds as the audience, with its erratic movements, pierces the beams of light. Movement in itself, hence, becomes an interactive experience that renders the lobby alive and makes the act of waiting engaging and interspersed with surprises.

From the lobby, the visual essence of the design strategically extends into the corridors.  However, here, the corridors are bathed in blue-tinted projections, unlike the white lights in the lobby. This seemingly minute change culminates in a desired novelty in visual experience; the rather dramatic shift in hues redefines the atmosphere and demarcates a transition in spaces. Under the vivid blue lights, a sense of anticipation and mystery escorts the viewers, ushering them into their movie-watching experience.

The VIP lounge, enveloped in the same subtly textured floor and walls, is inhabited by blue-toned sofas arranged in varying sizes and heights around the round tables. In the exclusive private space, the blue emerges as an accent amidst the glaring neutrality of the room. The screening rooms, populated with seats in the same shade of blue, mirror the lounge's colour palette. The wall lights are arranged in simple vertical lines, helping audiences immerse themselves in the world of cinema.

Through the design of the Cinesky Cinema in Nanshan, China, One Plus Partnership presents a bold vision of a movie-watching environment. The spatial design with prudent lighting expresses a range of moods, playing a crucial role in disconnecting the visitors from ‘reality’ and bridging them to the diverse tapestries of cinema. The modern and cosy ambience aspires to be memorable in every aspect beyond the films it screens. The experience begins the moment one walks into the space; the surprises continue as one waits and then heads with anticipation to the screening space—the often forgettable actions become integral to the spirit of the cinema.