REDEFINING CINEMATIC EXPERIENCES IN SOUTHEND
by Blendi Rexhaj
The project began with the investigation into the scrap boat materials in Leigh-on-Sea. The aim for first semester was to redesign a façade for a fish and chip shop in Leigh-on-Sea using the scrap boat materials found around the local area and create spaces for visitors to enjoy. These spaces consisted of benches with green spaces, areas for eating food with views out into the sea and new rooms popping out of the façade to enjoy the view. The model created with the combined spaces and façade then translated into semester 2 where it turned into a new cinema experience. Semester 2 looked at providing new cinema experiences for the people of Southend whilst also being a project that preserved the existing structure of the chosen site being the Southend train station. The cinema designed consisted of 4 new experiences of viewing performances and movies. The first way being on the front deck where you could enjoy a basketball game whilst waiting for your train or movie to start. The second being a traditional cinema layout that follows the roof line of the train station. You also get a view of the glulam structure holding the master cinema up. The third being an exterior cinema with a bar that provides a more interactive experience between the station and the elevated cinema. The final experience is a master cinema where one floor is dedicated to a screen. You can experience a new way of watching a movie using redesigned, elevated seats that protrude from the ground. The project is placed on top of the station not affecting how the public is used to move around the station.