"RESEARCH"

research

rachael mackay

Secret Cinema based in the Rotundas and Harbour Tunnel in Glasgow

Location: North - 28 Tunnel Street

South - 100 Govan Road

Building Info: B-Listed buildings, built between 1890-5. The two Rotundas are connected under the river Clyde by a tunnel, which was opened in 1895. The buildings acted as entrances to three tunnels (two of which have now been filled in) on either side of the river, and when opened were mainly used for transporting goods via horse and cart.

The Rotundas were designed in 1888 by Simpson and Wilson and Alex Findlay and Co, and built between 1890-5. They were originally built as entrances to two vehicle tunnels and one pedestrian tunnel built under the Clyde to transport goods via horse and cart. Each Rotunda housed six hydraulic vehicle lifts and stairs for pedestrians. Subsequently, the pedestrian tunnel became disused, as the vehicle tunnels remained in better condition. However, the Glasgow Harbour Tunnel Company became bankrupt and the tunnels were closed from around 1900 until 1913, when they were bought over, and later sold into the city’s control for £100,000 (equivalent to over £6million today).

The vehicle lifts were removed during the war effort, and in 1943 the vehicle tunnels were closed. In 1986, Bell’s Bridge was built nearby, offering easier access across the river. The passenger tunnel remained open until 1987, after which a water mains was installed and the two vehicle tunnels were filled in.

In 1988, for the Glasgow Garden Festival, the North Rotunda was given a facelift, and the South turned into a Nardini’s ice cream parlour.

In the 1990s, the South Rotunda became a dome of discovery as part of the Glasgow City of Culture celebrations, and the North was converted to a restaurant and casino.

In 2014, the South Rotunda was transformed into a venue for The Tin Forest, a puppet show and experience by the Scottish Youth Theatre. It was planned that the Rotunda would become a permanent theatre space but this did not go ahead.

In 2017, it was announced that the building would become offices for Malin Group, a marine engineering firm.

The North Rotunda has changed hands several times but is now a restaurant, events venue and comedy club.

1888

Rotundas are designed as entrances to the harbour tunnel

1895

Rotundas and tunnel are opened

c. 1900 Tunnel is closed due to bankruptcy

1913

Tunnel is sold for £100,000 and reopened

Passenger tunnel and tunnels

1987

Passenger tunnel closed and vehicle tunnels filled in

1988 Rotundas are used as part of Glasgow Garden Festival

1990

Rotundas are renovated for Glasgow City of Culture

2014 South Rotunda used for Scottish Youth Theatre

South Rotunda renovated into offices

obscura

Finnieston (the area surrounding the North Rotunda) was established as an industrial and residential village in 1768. The tobacco and sugar industry was rapidly expanding in Glasgow during the 18th century, and from around 1775 small vessels were able to sail up the Clyde into the centre of Glasgow. The Clyde was deepened to allow for larger ships and from 1818 foreign trading vessels were able to dock at Broomielaw (just east of where the Rotundas are now).

Pacific Quay (the area surrounding the South Rotunda) was opened in 1897 as Cessnock Dock. Later renamed Prince’s Dock, it was used to handle general cargo until the 1970s.

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The expansion of trade and shipbuilding along the Clyde was key to Glasgow’s development and for this reason Clydebank became a target for bombing during the Second World War. By the 1960s, due to de-industrialisation, the area fell into decline and has since been through regeneration into recreational, residential and business space. In 1988, the area was transformed for Glasgow Garden Festival. Nowadays, the area is mostly business space, with recreational space North of the Clyde and residential to the South.

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I was initially drawn to the Rotundas because of their unique domed structures, and I love the combination of brickwork and steel arched windows. I like the idea of the two linked buildings, and think that the mystery of the hidden tunnel fits well with my idea for a secret cinema. I found that when I mention the Rotundas, many people are not aware of the tunnel or even that there are two Rotundas at all. The buildings are unique and visually interesting, and I am fascinated by the history of the buildings throughout time.

The North Rotunda is surrounded on one side by entertainment venues and on the other side by offices. This means that the area is diverse and often busy. Although there is a considerable amount of traffic outside, it cannot be heard from inside the Rotunda. It is challenging to linger here as people are constantly passing by and the pavement is narrow.

The South Rotunda is a lot quieter than the North. It sits surrounded by offices and residential buildings, therefore is quieter and more peaceful. There is a small cobblestone square between the Rotunda and the river. Lots of people pass by the building walking dogs or going to and from work. Although traffic is nearby; birdsong, passersby and the breeze rustling the trees can still be heard. It smells fresh and is sheltered from the wind by trees and other buildings.

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The interior of the North Rotunda is split into at least four floors including a basement. I found on visiting that the architecture of the building is almost unrecognisable from the inside. The iconic arched windows are often blocked by walls or curtains, and the round footprint of the building is compromised by rectangular spaces inside.

The North Rotunda is home to a restaurant and beer garden, private function space, comedy club and bar. Most floors have been split and are no longer full, cylindrical rooms, however the top floor provides views towards the South from the roof windows.

(Photo from venue)

(Photo from venue)

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The South Rotunda was transformed into offices in 2017 for Malin Group Marine Engineering. It has been split into four floors with mezzanine, and makes use of the arched windows around the building and the roof area. Although there are some more angular walls, the round shell of the building is still prominent and the space has been zoned effectively.

(All photos from architect)

BUILDING TYPOLOGIES

The site is surrounded mainly by offices and housing, however several large entertainment venues are located nearby, including the OVO Hydro and SEC Armadillo. The area is often busy, with office workers and concert-goers alike, from early in the morning until late at night.

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The site is fairly easy to access from the city centre. It is a 27-minute walk from the city centre, but can also be accessed by bus, train, car and taxi.

There are several bus stops close to both Rotundas, which take approximately 8 minutes from Union Street in the city centre. The closest train station is Exhibition Centre, which is a 3-minute train journey from Central Station, and a 7-minute walk from the North Rotunda.

There are many nearby car parks (including one specifically for the North Rotunda), which are a 9-minute drive from the city centre.

TRANSPORT LINKS

Bus stops

Train Station Roads

Car Parks

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KEY BUILDINGS IN THE AREA

Finnieston Crane - This was built in 1931 to help load and unload goods from cargo ships. It was last used in 1988, however has become a significant part of Glasgow’s skyline.

OVO Hydro - The largest entertainment venue in Scotland with 14,300 seats, used for live entertainment. It was opened in 2013 and hosts big names including The Cure, Paolo Nutini and Florence & the Machine.

SEC Armadillo - Inspired by interlocking ship’s hulls and nicknamed ‘The Armadillo’ due to it’s resemblance of the animal. The live entertainment venue was opened in 1997 and has 3,000 seats. It hosts big names including Bob Dylan, Bono and Joe Lycett.

SEC Centre - Opened in 1985, this building is a venue for conferences and exhibitions alongside some live entertainment. It hosts events including craft fairs, the yearly IRN-BRU carnival and career fairs.

STV Studios - Main headquarters for STV, who have over 3.5 million viewers every month. Filming and office space which opened in 2006.

BBC Studios - Scottish headquarters for the BBC, with filming and office space. Opened in 2007, it is used for the filming of shows including Mrs Brown’s Boys, Richard Osman’s House of Games and Impossible.

Radisson RED - A 4-star, 174-room hotel located next to the North Rotunda.

SUNRISE

The area around the North Rotunda is much busier than that of the South, due to events at the OVO Hydro, SEC Centre and SEC Armadillo. Both sides of the Clyde are industrial-heavy areas, so tend to be busy during rush hour. Due to entertainment events often being on weekends, the North tends to be busy at most times.

How do the Rotundas and Tunnel make people feel? Are there any words which come to mind?

“intriguing”

“unique”

“isolated”

“mysterious”

“unusual”

“cinematic”

“dramatic”

“shelter”

“overwhelmed”

“confused”

What do people think of the Rotundas and Tunnel?

“The tunnel concept is one of the most interesting aspects”

“They make me think of Roman architecture”

“The connection of the two feels important, not sure one would feel complete without the other”

“They hold their own”

“They could be major city of Glasgow icons”

“traffic seems to move around it”

“They are not being used to their full potential”

“I didn’t know there was a tunnel”

“They mark the edge of the city centre going west”

“very out of place”

“The tunnel makes me feel a bit claustrophobic”

What do people think of the area surrounding the Rotundas?

“feels quite commercial”

“quite empty without big events at the Hydro”

“I wouldn’t visit unless I had a reason to”

“industrial”

“The North side is clearly more geared towards attracting customers”

“The South side is a bit run down and threatening”

“disjointed”

“strange area of Glasgow that doesn’t have an identity”

“The area itself seems safe enough on the North side”

“It looks like the buildings have been built around the Rotundas”

The exterior of the Rotundas are load-bearing, held up by cast iron Corinthian columns carrying steel girders.

Both Rotundas have a glazed section where vehicles would originally have entered the buildings. The external walls are constructed from brick, with steel frame, cast-iron columns and stone cornices and cills.

The Rotundas are around 21m in height, with a building footprint of approximately 400m² each.

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The dome windows of the South Rotunda have been replaced during it’s refurbishment in 2017, and are new ribbon double glazing, suitable for glazing long banks of fixed windows. The roof is steel framed, with timber and slate layers. Both Rotundas feature a glazed cupola with a weathervane at the top.

A SECRET CINEMA AND IN THE HEART

U R A

AND SOCIAL SPACE OF GLASGOW.

2 concept

WHO?

My proposal is aimed towards young people, especially students, in Glasgow and surrounding areas. People who have an interest in film and are looking for an engaging and exciting experience.

WHAT?

A hidden cinema and film space offering a unique journey through the world of film. Central to this are the cafe-bar, film museum, snack bar, and tunnel experience space.

WHEN?

Now! The space will be open every day, from early afternoon to late at night (and into the early hours of the morning).

WHERE?

Set in the Rotundas and Harbour Tunnel, visitors will enter through the North Rotunda into a large social space with cafebar, before travelling through the tunnel to the South Rotunda, which will accommodate the screening room and snack bar.

WHY?

This is a type of space that I’d love to see in Glasgow. A space for young people to connect with others through film. There are few spaces for young people in Glasgow (with the exception of bars and clubs), and few cinemas highlighting lesser-known and art-house films.

2 concept

This is the first recorded camera in existance, descriptions of which have been found in Chinese texts from 400BC. The camera does not take pictures, but instead uses a pinhole to focus light and project an image onto a screen. The Camera Obscura was a precursor to cameras for photography and film, as well as movie projectors.

The Kinetoscope was first used in 1891, allowing one viewer at a time to observe moving pictures. By 1894, these were shown in public parlours around the world.

400BC

The Camera Obscura

1891 The Kinetoscope

Camera Obscura

1895

The Cinématographe

Invented by the Lumière brothers in 1895, this combined a camera, projector and film printer in one, and allowed films to be projected for an audience.

1890s-1910s

Early Films

Earliest films were often shown in music halls and fairgrounds, lasting only for a few minutes or less.

1910s-Present The Film Industry

By 1914, several national film industries were established. The next 30 years were important to the growth of cinema, introducing longer films and bringing storytelling and narrative to the forefront.

obscura

2 concept

1900s Colour

Colour was first added to film in the 1900s by handtinting, toning and stencilling. Technicolour was used from 1915 onwards, later replaced by the three-colour process in 1932. From the 1930s colour films were widely produced, however were expensive and time-consuming to produce so many films were still made in black-and-white.

1920s Sound

The first feature-length film to use synchronised sound was The Jazz Singer in 1927. Before this, films were silent, often shown accompanied by live music or lectures.

1930s-1940s The Golden Age of Film

In the 1930s and 40s, cinema was at it’s peak as popular entertainment. ‘Super’ cinemas and ‘Picture Palaces’ were built, which held other facilities like ballrooms and cafes. The highest recorded film attendance in Britain was in 1946, with 31 million visits per week.

1950s-Present Advancing Technologies

By 1984, attendance had fallen to 1 million visits per week, due to television allowing viewers to watch films and television shows in their own homes. However, the late 2000s brought a boom in multiplex cinemas, and cinema attendance has risen since. Rapidly advancing technology continues to change both the production and consumption of films, allowing audiences to stream films on phones and laptops as well as watching live in cinemas and on-demand on television.

The production of 3D films, though attempted and abandoned in both the 1950s and 80s, is also being experimented, with audience experience and immersion playing a key role in not only how films are shown but also how they are created.

The Regal cinema (later O2 ABC) in Glasgow

2 concept

Everyman Cinema

This is a smaller chain of cinemas across the UK, screening mainstream, independant and classic films. They have a barrestaurant, and also allow for private hire of the screening rooms.

What is their USP?

Serving food and drink straight to cinema seats, and having smaller, more intimate screening rooms with sofas and armchairs.

What does it feel like inside?

The smaller screening spaces are more intimate and comfortable than a regular cinema, and the full experience feels more personal due to the table service in the cinema.

2.3 case studies

Pros:

- Comfortable, intimate screening rooms

- Shows both independant and classic films

- Serves food and drink straight to cinema seats

Cons:

- Higher-priced, so not ideal for students

- Small space, so not ideal for larger groups or building community

2 concept

Glasgow Film Theatre (GFT)

The GFT is an independant arthouse cinema in a B-listed building. Originally, this was the first of it’s kind in Scotland, when it opened as The Cosmo in 1939. They screen new and classic films in three cinema rooms, and have two small bars serving drinks and snacks.

What is their USP?

They are one of the oldest independant cinemas in Scotland, and screen both old and new films.

What does it feel like inside?

The recently redesigned bars and foyer are elegant and feels warm. As it is an old cinema, the seating is packed tightly and is less comfortable than in a more recently built cinema. However, the tickets are relatively inexpensive and the films shown are varied, so it is accessible to student budgets.

2.3 case studies

Pros:

- Long-running cinema so has community and history

- Shows both independant and classic films

Cons:

- Higher priced, so not ideal for students

- Small space so not ideal for larger groups or building community

2 concept

Pros:

- Intimate screening rooms

- Space to socialise in the cafe, and close to lots of bars in the West End

Cons:

- Higher priced, so not ideal for students

- Soundproofing could be improved

Grosvenor Cinema

The Grosvenor is an independant cinema in the West End of Glasgow. They have two small 100-seat screening rooms where they show new films along with classics and theatre shows. They recently had a refurbishment and there is a connected bar with food and drinks.

What is their USP?

It is the only cinema in Glasgow’s West End, and screens both old and new films.

What does it feel like inside?

Reviews for the cinema are varied, many mentioning bad noise-cancelling and overpriced tickets. Therefore it does not seem to be catered to students, although does feel quite secret and intimate as it is hidden in the West End.

2 concept

I chose to conduct a survey to find out more about why people watch film. I was interested in what motivates people to watch film, and what they enjoy about the experience. I wanted to find out why people choose to go to the cinema, and was intrigued to know what memories people have of their first visit to the cinema.

2 concept

Q1. How often do you watch films?

Daily

Several times a week

Once a week

A few times a month

Once a month

Less than once a month

Q2: Why do you watch films? What do you like about film?

ESCAPISM

One of the most common responses to this question was the need for a distraction from everyday life, or escapism. This intrigued me - why are so many people looking for an escape? However, on further consideration, perhaps no matter what is happening within our lives, we all could benefit from stepping away from our own world and into another. To see from another perspective can often be both insightful and inspiring in our own lives.

“a means of escapism from reality that helps with my own mental well-being and interests to explore exciting and creative possibilities”

story

“It allows you to get immersed in a story”

Many people mentioned film’s ability to draw the audience into a story, and to provide insight into the mind of the characters. Storytelling has always been a significant form of communication, and allows us as an audience to become more understanding of and compassionate towards others.

2 concept

There were many more key aspects of film which were mentioned in response to why people watch films. This included:

entertainment

Several answers described film as a form of entertainment, providing enjoyment or allowing us to relax and focus on a story. reflection

“It can make you rethink our own world and how we each live our lives, giving you a new perspective on the way we live.”

Many people mentioned that film provides us with an insight into other lives and perspectives. Film offers us new ways of thinking and allows us to reflect on our own lives and the lives of those around us.

art

“I think films are unique in that they bring every art form together”

Some answers talked about film being an accessible art form, and that the filmmaking, sound, writing, acting and design all contribute to a greater experience for the audience.

immersion

“I watch films to become immersed in a world different from my own”

Many responses mentioned film’s ability to transport us to and immerse us in new worlds. They can take us to places that we haven’t seen before, and create imaginary worlds both fantastical and horrifying.

2 concept

Q3: How often do you go to the cinema?

Several times a week

Once a week

A few times a month

Once a month

Once every few months

< once every few months

2 concept

Q4: Why do you choose to go the cinema over watching a film at home? What do you like about the cinema?

“I like the sense of event. The ability to enjoy the full cinematic experience without distractions.”

Many people described the act of going to the cinema as being an event in itself. It is clear that people choose to go to the cinema not only to see a film, but also for the experience - the journey to and within the cinema.

larger screen

“When I used to go to the cinema I loved the huge screen and surround sound, which made me feel like an invisible character in the film.”

Many of the responses mentioned better visual and sound quality as a reason to visit the cinema, and how this contributes to a greater feeling of immersion in the film.

2 concept

Other reasons why people choose to go to the cinema included:

NEW FILMS

Several responses mentioned the excitement of going to the cinema when a film is newly released. The anticipation of a film that we have been waiting on for some time can make the cinema experience even more thrilling. The contrast between the long wait and the shorter experience of going to see the film interests me and is something I will consider going forward with my own project.

“The full immersive experience. It’s much easier to become focused and really fully enjoy a film when watching it at the cinema.”

Many people mentioned the immersion at the cinema, and that there is no distraction, especially from phones. Not being able to pause the film to use our phones or talk in the cinema allows us to focus on enjoying the film.

event

Some responses described cinema as an event - a treat for special occasions or a different activity to do with friends and family. Considering that almost half of people surveyed said that they visit the cinema every few months, it seems like the full experience is something that people like to do on occasion, to savour it and enjoy it more.

2.4 survey results

atmosphere

“I like hearing a crowd laugh or cry at certain parts of a movie and it feels like we are all one big group together with the same feelings.”

Many of the responses mentioned a togetherness with the rest of the audience that is not as prevalent when watching films at home. This sense of connection and shared experience is something which I hope to bring into my own design, as the significance of mutual social experience can help to unite people and create a more compassionate society.

2 concept

Q5: Is there anything you don’t like about going to the cinema? What do you think could be improved about the experience?

audience

“Cinemas can be wasted by fellow movie goers, smaller auditoriums could possibly reduce this risk”

Many responses to this question mentioned other audience members distracting from the film, with noise or the smell of food. Some suggested that smaller auditoriums or more spacious seating could help to reduce this and create a more enjoyable experience.

2.4 survey results

price comfort

Many people said that the price was too high, especially of drinks and snacks. Lower costs of tickets would mean that the cinema is more accessible.

Some responses mentioned that newer reclining seating is often more comfortable and allows the audience to have more space.

films

Some people said that the film choices in cinemas don’t always suit them. Often cinemas show large blockbuster releases but fewer show lesser-known, old or arthouse films.

obscura

2 concept

Q6: Would you be interested in visiting a secret or hidden cinema?

78 of the 94 people surveyed said that they would be interested in visiting a secret or hidden cinema. At the beginning of the survey, I asked whether people were interested in filmdiscussing film and/or filmmaking - and 75.5% of people said that they were. Considering this, and that 6.4% of the respondants stated that they never go to the cinema, it seems that a secret cinema is something which has appeal to many, including those that are not as interested in film. Though the majority (59.6%) of people who took my survey are under 35, the idea appealed to people of all ages.

2 concept

Q6: What is your favourite film and why?

The answers to this question were very varied, from The Shining to Life of Pi, Parasite to Grease, Joker to Elf. 84 different films were mentioned, accompanied by many different reasons why they were favourites.

The films span across many genres and decades, the earliest being The Wizard of Oz (1939), and latest Ticket to Paradise (2022).

2 concept STORYTELLING

Many people said that their favourite film was well-written - they enjoyed the story, character development and plot twists. Good storytelling can draw us in to characters and their situations, and help us to understand our own place in the world. Stories can connect to our own emotional experience, provide new ways of seeing and bring people together. I’d like to bring this into my own work by designing not just a static space but a journey.

“I watched it all the time when I was younger and it brings back good memories.”

Some people mentioned films that they watched when they were children, naming them as their favourites because of the comfort and memories that are connected to the film. Film can often connect with us nostalgically, whether it is through the world or characters created or the fact that we watched it when we were younger. I think that considering the emotional connection and response that films have on us, it is important to highlight both old and new films, films from across the globe, and films made by or about lots of different people.

Several survey respondents mentioned soundtracks being crucial to their enjoyment of the film. Music can further connect us to characters, and allow us deeper insight into the story. I aim to explore all the senses within my design, creating a fuller experience, focusing especially on sound.

Overall, the survey has allowed me to gain insight into the place film has in our lives.

I found that many people watched films as a form of escapism, to be immersed in a world different from their own. Many people enjoy the nostalgia that comes with their favourite film, while others favour the soundtrack or storytelling.

The survey has also allowed me to further understand film-watching habits, what draws people to choose the cinema experience and what might be improved. Hearing stories of cinema memories reinforced my understanding of the importance of film and the impact it can have on people of any age, especially considering how much people remember of their first visit to the cinema.