BRIEF

The aim of this project is to design a social film space and hidden cinema dedicated to young people with an interest in film. This will be a place for people to come together and socialise, meet new people with shared interests, and discover the world of film. The new proposed design will be an immersive experience for visitors, dealing with the space as a journey over time rather than a static design.

It seems that existing cinemas in Glasgow are not always used to their best advantage. Often, independent cinemas are small, and space does not allow for groups of people to come together and socialise before and after films. There is an opportunity in Glasgow to educate people further about film, by introducing a film museum or exhibition space to the cinema. The cinema experience should be welcoming, inclusive and allow for connection and learning.

The design will consider the idea of temporality when it comes to sharing a space with others. The space will allow for visitors to focus on being in the moment, and will be somewhere that a diverse range of people with different stories can converge just for a moment in time.

why?

There is an opportunity to create a space in Glasgow which allows young people to connect over film,, explore new worlds and relax in the city centre.

Entertainment spaces in Glasgow are becoming more wideranging, with the development of many new leisure and activity venues. This proposal could form part of the regeneration of the Clyde waterfront, attracting tourists and locals alike.

There are few cinemas in Glasgow which are aimed towards young people, and fewer still that allow space for socialisation, learning, and becoming part of the world of film. Obscura will not only accommodate social connection but encourage it through inclusive, welcoming and immersive spaces

The secrecy of the speakeasy has become a popular concept for hidden bars and restaurants all over the world. There is an opportunity to merge the mystery of the speakeasy with the excitement and togetherness of the cinema to create a new, engaging experience.

AIMS:

To create a welcoming space where people can come together and connect over a shared interest in film.

To design an inclusive space which highlights lesser-known, independent and art-house films.

To create a space which allows for exploration into film, and takes visitors on a journey.

To design a film-focused space, taking inspiration from films of the past and inspiring films of the future.

To create a welcoming atmosphere, which encourages connection, and feelings of excitement and belonging.

For more details on the project requirements, considerations and site history, please see Brief Journal.

temporality excitement story 6 anticipation experience immersion obscura 5

The Explorer The Writer

NAME: Simone

AGE: 26

PRONOUNS: She/Her

GOALS: Simone is looking for somewhere to meet and socialise with new people. She also wants to explore the world of film, and find out more about different careers in the industry.

NAME: Seo-Joon

AGE: 25

PRONOUNS: He/Him

GOALS: Seo-Joon is looking for a place where he can watch and borrow lesserknown films, and somewhere to go with friends to discuss film. He wants to go to a cinema which is accessible and comfortable for wheelchair users.

THE talker

NAME: Kamari

AGE: 29

PRONOUNS: They/Them

GOALS: Kamari is looking for a cinema space to hire for their birthday, preferably somewhere independent and spacious enough for family and friends. They also hope to see more diverse films, with representation of different gender identities and people of colour.

THE thinker

NAME: Leo

AGE: 20

PRONOUNS: He/Him

GOALS: Leo wants to go somewhere that he can be fully immersed in a film and forget about the stress of day-to-day life. He is also looking for somewhere different to go with friends, rather than going out for drinks.

THE artist

NAME: Kat

AGE: 23

PRONOUNS: She/They

GOALS: Kat is looking for somewhere to meet other people in the LGBTQIA+ community. They also hope to explore the world of animated film, and discover new films with friends.

NAME: Orla

AGE: 24

PRONOUNS: She/Her

THE actor USERS

GOALS: Orla is looking for an immersive film experience. As she doesn’t have streaming services, she wants to find somewhere with a big screen and sound equipment to watch films, and somewhere she can borrow films on DVD. She is also looking for an inexpensive cinema which screens films with subtitles and audio description.