Gaoxingli Insun Cinema and Coffee Bar is a striking architectural venture that combines the cinema experience with the inviting atmosphere of a coffee bar. Designed by Hong Kong-based One Plus Partnership, the project embodies a unique blend of natural inspiration and contemporary design, becoming a prominent cultural space in Haikou.
- Project Overview: Designed by One Plus Partnership, Gaoxingli Insun Cinema and Coffee Bar is located in Haikou, China and combines a cinematic experience with a cozy coffee bar atmosphere.
- Conceptual Inspiration: Centered around the theme “Footprints Fade, Waves Embrace”, the design is inspired by the coastal charm of Hainan, creating an environment that reflects the natural beauty of the seaside.
- Dynamic Design Elements: Wave-like structures constructed from bricks of varying lengths and shades of topaz flow along the walls and ceilings, evoking the movement of water and reinforcing the coastal theme.
- Natural Light Integration: Thin glass panels allow sunlight to penetrate the café, creating reflections that mimic shimmering waves, contributing to the dynamic atmosphere and enhancing the sensory experience.
- Attention to Detail: The concealed lighting and hidden vents included in the design reveal the meticulous attention to detail that enriches the overall aesthetics and functionality of the space.
- Textured Surfaces: The use of various textures, including rough but polished bricks, creates a tactile experience. This design choice invites guests to interact with the materiality of the space.
- Curved Furniture: The furniture follows the wave motif with soft, curved edges, promoting comfort and encouraging customers to relax and enjoy their time in the café.
- Auditorium Ambience: In the auditorium, colors and textures combine with warm tones and scents to create a relaxing atmosphere reminiscent of a florist’s workshop.
- Harmonious Color Palette: The subtle pastel and autumnal tones used throughout the cinema enhance the warmth and cohesiveness of the design, making the environment inviting for guests.
- Cultural Significance: Gaoxingli Insun Cinema serves as a cultural landmark that enriches the community while offering a unique space for dining and entertainment.
- Immersive Experience: The thoughtful integration of light, texture and form creates an immersive experience that resonates with visitors, making it a memorable destination in Haikou.
- Architectural Innovation: This project exemplifies how architecture can beautifully blend natural inspiration with contemporary design, offering a space that inspires people and connects them to their surroundings.
Concept and Inspiration
Footprints Fade, Waves Embrace
The overarching concept, titled “Footprints Fade, Waves Embrace”, draws deeply on Hainan’s coastal charm. The design aims to evoke the essence of the seaside, where the ebb and flow of the waves creates a calming and dynamic environment. This theme is reflected throughout the space, from the choice of materials to the overall layout, creating an immersive experience that resonates with visitors.
Connection with Nature
The architects sought to create a connection between the interior and the environment. Incorporating elements that mimic the fluidity of the water and the textures found on the beach, the design not only celebrates the natural beauty of Hainan, but also provides a serene sanctuary for clients.
Design Features
Wave-like Structures
One of the most striking features of Gaoxingli Insun Cinema is the wave-like structures that flow gracefully along the walls and ceilings. These structures are crafted from topaz bricks of different lengths and shades sourced from the sand of nearby beaches. The resulting texture is both rough and polished, offering an earthy quality that invites tactile interaction.
Light and Reflection
Natural light plays a crucial role in the ambience of the café. Thin glass panels strategically integrated into the design allow sunlight to filter through and illuminate the space. This illumination creates reflections reminiscent of sunlight shining on ocean waves, enhancing the dynamic feel of the interiors. The interplay of light and shadow adds depth and interest, transforming the space throughout the day.
Flowing Forms
The interior mimics marine patterns, revealing layers of flowing forms that undulate across floors, walls and countertops. These sinuous lines evoke a sense of movement, making the environment feel alive. Hidden lighting and concealed vents, visible only from certain angles, further enhance the design, showcasing the attention to detail that characterizes the work of One Plus Partnership.
Interior Experience
Movement and Rhythm
As guests enter the space, they are greeted by an atmosphere that feels alive with movement. The design invites visitors to explore; waves of brick ripple throughout the café, creating an inviting pathway. Lights follow a fixed route along the floor, guiding guests through the space in a way reminiscent of flowing water.
Textured Surfaces
The various textures in the interior enhance the sensory experience. Some bricks rise like gentle hills, while others lie low, yielding to the overall wave-like design. The flooring features soft waves in muted shades of gray, subtly lit to provide guidance while avoiding missteps. This thoughtful design ensures that every aspect of the space contributes to a harmonious experience.
Curved Furniture
The furniture in the café follows the wave motif; the soft, curved edges of the tables and chairs gently glow like bells. This design choice not only complements the overall aesthetic, but also promotes comfort, encouraging customers to linger and enjoy their surroundings.
Auditorium and Lobby Design
Color and Texture
In the auditorium, the design continues to impress with a fascinating mix of colors and textures. Strokes of color, reminiscent of a painter’s brushstrokes, swirl around the walls. The dimensional fabric covering the walls mimics the look of freshly cut wood layered with patterns that reflect the organic design of the lobby.
Ambiance and Comfort
The seating arrangements in the auditorium have been carefully designed to evoke the atmosphere of a florist’s workshop with warm colors and inviting textures. The light scents of lavender and peony permeate the air, further enhancing the comfort and tranquility of the setting. This sensory layering creates an immersive experience for moviegoers.
Adhesive Temperature
Throughout the cinema, subtle pastels and autumnal tones wrap around columns and chairs, contributing to a soft, harmonious warmth. In the lobby area, guests can relax on copper-toned armchairs upholstered in plush, velvety fabric. The earthy tones evoke autumn leaves and pumpkin spice, creating a scene designed for comfort and relaxation, perfect for enjoying coffee before or after a movie.
Conclusion
Designed by One Plus Partnership, Gaoxingli Insun Cinema and Coffee Bar is a remarkable fusion of coastal inspiration and modern architectural design. Fluid forms, textured surfaces and the interplay of light create an inviting atmosphere that enhances the overall cinema experience. Capturing the essence of Hainan’s natural beauty, this innovative project serves not only as a dining and entertainment venue, but also as a cultural landmark that enriches the community.
Visitors to Gaoxingli Insun Cinema can expect a carefully designed space that celebrates the beauty of nature and invites exploration and engagement, while offering a warm and welcoming environment. This project makes an important contribution to Haikou’s vibrant cultural landscape, a testament to the power of architecture to inspire people and connect them to their surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gaoxingli Insun Cinema and Coffee Bar?
Gaoxingli Insun Cinema and Coffee Bar is a unique entertainment venue located in Haikou, China. Designed by Hong Kong-based One Plus Partnership, the venue combines the cinema experience with a relaxed coffee bar atmosphere inspired by the coastal beauty of Hainan.
What is the concept behind the design?
The design concept “Footprints Fade, Waves Embrace” is inspired by the coastal charm of Hainan. The architects aimed to reflect the fluidity of the waves and create a serene environment that connects visitors to nature.
How were the wave-like structures incorporated into the design?
The wave-like structures that flow along the walls and ceilings of the space are made of bricks of different lengths and shades of topaz. Composed of local beach sand, these bricks provide a rough but polished texture that reinforces the nautical theme.
What role does natural light play in the café?
Thin glass panels are integrated throughout the café, allowing sunlight to filter in and illuminate the space. This creates reflections that mimic the shimmer of sunlight on waves, enhancing the overall ambience and inviting nature inside.
Which materials contribute to the interior experience?
The interior features a variety of textured surfaces, including rough bricks and soft fabrics that evoke a natural landscape. Forms and curves flow throughout the space, creating a dynamic and engaging environment for guests.
How was the auditorium designed?
The auditorium showcases a mix of colors and textures swirling around the walls, creating a painterly effect. Seating arrangements and warm tones contribute to a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of a florist’s workshop.
What sensory elements enrich the experience in the cinema?
A light scent of lavender and peony hangs in the air and blends with warm colors to create a relaxing ambience. This sensory layering enriches the cinema experience and makes it more immersive.
What kind of seating is available in the lobby?
In the lobby, guests can relax on copper-toned armchairs upholstered in plush, velvety fabric. Earthy tones evoke autumn leaves and pumpkin spice, providing a warm and inviting space for visitors.
Why is Gaoxingli Insun Cinema important?
The cinema serves as a cultural landmark in Haikou and offers a unique blend of dining and entertainment. Its design celebrates the natural beauty of Hainan while providing a welcoming environment for the community.
What do you think of Gaoxingli Insun Cinema and Coffee Bar?
Gaoxingli Insun Cinema stands as a remarkable example of how architecture can harmoniously blend natural inspiration with modern design. Each element contributes to an immersive experience that resonates with visitors. What are your thoughts on this innovative space? Does it effectively capture the essence of Hainan’s coastal charm? Share your feedback with us!
Architect: One Plus Partnership
Architectural Style: Coastal Inspired Contemporary Design
Year: 2024
Location: Haikou, China
