Jaidev Tripathy's profile

Look, The Door is Open - Architecture Thesis (Full)

Jaidev Tripathy
•
FOREWORD 

The present conditions of a fast-paced urban society triggered a thought-process, leading to new perspectives. This architecture thesis presents these perspectives in form of a narrative, stitching theories, personal experiences, observations and phenomena relevant in the contemporary urban environment. 

Everydayness serves as the base on which this narrative is built, bringing forth the role spaces play within this current urban sphere. 'Liminal Spaces' and 'Parallel Reality' are explored as promising spatial conditions departing from the comfort-less urban structure. They emphasize on being, transition and transformation. Cinema then steps in, not only connecting these dots, but also offering a way forward. The spatiality of cinema is explored on these conditions, through Cinema Halls and Film Theatres. 

This exploration provokes an introspective question, materializing into an experimental architectural project. It centers around a spatial and architectural solution relevant in the fast-paced everyday urban fabric we reside in. 
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
PROLOGUE

・May 2020・
Isolation. Aside from two parental figures at home, the four walls of my room became my singular company during a phase shrouded with vague uncertainty. The idea of space impacting (my) mental state, knocked the front door of my brain and flirted with my identity of an architecture student. Living a routine, everyday life led to a fading relationship with space, and the immediate environment. With the pressure of my academic project darting towards me, I ventured further into this strand to see where it led to. 

The aim was to understand the probable role of space within the stated context.  
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EPISODE 1
Scene: Int/Cinema Hall
Inside a dark cinema hall, a film played out on the giant screen. Somewhere on the edge of the middle row, sat Shalabh. He leaned forward, mesmerized, but with a certain sense of comfort. It wasn't just the film, but his presence inside the film theatre. It held a certain charm and shielded him from his usual, everyday life and the world outside.   ​​​​​​​
*BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP...….BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP* 
The ringing alarm clock woke Shalabh up. 

It was time to wake up and begin daily routines. But Shalabh felt rather unmotivated. Everyday felt the same, and he was not looking forward to spending another day consumed within his own thoughts, and in a state of constant existential dread. 
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
On his way to the university, he gazed outside; the fast-paced urban city faced him. He felt mechanical being part of it. The city was flamboyant, but there was barely any sense of engagement or relationship to it. This feeling reminded him of Henri Lefebvre's 'Theory of Everydayness' , which highlights the passive nature of mass urban production and work -- overshadowing existence, presence, and being. 
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
But one day, Shalabh consciously underent a moment of realization; an escape of sorts. He discovered this feeling when he stayed back in his university after 5pm (post its usual functioning hours). The dynamics and the atmosphere of an everyday space changed. 
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
The space felt detached from everyday urban life and transcended usual functions and behaviours. It was like stepping into a different reality altogether, one which had the ability to transform and induce a sense of hyper awareness, by altering perspectives within everyday settings. 
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
//Notes on LIMINALITY,  a character most descriptive of the above phenomena. (select the images to expand details)
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
//Notes on PARALLEL REALITY,  an interesting phenomena which surfaces to provide a potential escape from rigid everyday clockwork (select the images to expand details)
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
Shalabh's thesis intent was finally established: To explore transformative spaces prompting a sense of engagement and transition within prevailing urban conditions. 
B U T   W H A T   T R A N S F O R M S ? 
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
Perhaps, what best manifests parallel reality and transformation, is cinema itself. (select the images to expand details)
Exploration of spatiality in film theatres of India (select the images to expand details)
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
The excitement to visit the cinemas in the yester-years was unparalleled. The space had cultural expression, and each cinema hall was unique in design, also engaging with those who occupied it. The experience of watching a film in the cinema hall literally embodied escaping everyday life. 
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
ISSUES OF THE MODERN-DAY INDIAN FILM THEATRE (select the images to expand details)
IMPACT OF THE DIGITAL AGE (OTT PLATFORMS) AND THE PANDEMIC ON THE INDIAN FILM THEATRE (select the images to expand details)
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
A QUESTION ARISED....
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
B U T   W H E R E   T O   T R A N S F O R M ?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EPISODE 2
Scene: Ext/Payal Cinemas, Old Gurgaon
Within the urbanscapes of Sector-14 in Old Gurgaon, there was a place in-between....
...where Shalabh discovered Payal Cinemas, an age-old structure with an alluring, larger-than-life architectural charm.  
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
AN ABANDONED CINEMA.......
The context (select the images to expand details)
The current scenario....
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
The potential offered by Payal Cinemas in Gurgaon's urban zone was sky-high. Shalabh's instincts urged him to utilize this opportunity and bring in a much-deserved vocabulary, as well as put his theories and design ideas into execution. Payal became his proposed site.
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
I N I T I A T I N G   T H E   D E S I G N   P R O C E S S . . .
<gif>
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
The fundamental idea was to redevelop the cinemas while preserving certain programmes, and add some fresh to unconventional activities and compose a unique integration of functions. An area chart was developed strategically to understand what Shalabh's cinemas would be composed of. (select the images to expand details)
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
The site finally held a programmatic definition and a shape. But, it still needed some vocabulary - a language that was synonymous to the spatial experience, symbolism and expression of cinemas embodying parallel reality. 

Shalabh needed some inspiration from a variety of other existing projects. (select the images to expand details) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
EPISODE 3
Scene: Ext/ The New Payal Cinemas, Old Gurgaon
I stuck my head outside the auto-rickshaw to get a sight of the dazzling marquee with flashing lights, with the wind hitting my face. It felt like entering an imaginative universe, with a collage of textured walls and vibrant film posters. I could feel all five of my senses activating, as a wave of excitement swept over me. The bold typography of the word 'Payal' visually enticed me as I headed towards the cinemas on a Sunday, my only day off from work.   
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
It was a special day at Payals; a vintage Bollywood showtime Sunday. They were screening the Bachchan classic 'Deewar(1975)' today afternoon.   
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
Poster Credits: Tallenge Store
A pamphlet of the ground floor plan was handed over at the security area, right alongside the drop-off point. The plethora of vibrant programmes and routes throughout this public complex were displayed with full transparency. There was plenty to catch here today!  
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
I - THE OLD STRUCTURE - REDEVELOPED, REINTERPRETED.
The film was about to begin in 20 minutes. The crowd swarmed towards the Southern part of the cinemas, which was the existing hall retained and redeveloped, given a new architectural definition. 
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
I made my way inside......
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
...and a new universe opened up! 

A. THE BOX OFFICE

A vibrant space; it seemed to embrace a social energy starkly different from any typical urban setting. The bright red Dholpur-cladded structure framed by vertical teal members and arched window frames formed a picturesque image, as urban characters moved about, against curated film posters in the background. The audible sounds of anticipation, excitement and curiosity fused with the space to create an an animated cinematic atmosphere.  
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
B. THE CINEMA HALL
The doors opened, and I was greeted by a distinctive seating pattern inside the hall. The architect and designer of this cinema hall seemingly wanted to experiment with the conventionally formal and standardized seating arrangement typical of a film theatre, yet not create an overwhelmingly jarring space that compromised on the hall's functionality. 
The typical stadium-seating typology (repeated rows) was replaced by dividing the hall layout into segments, similar to the characteristics of a pod. This subtle yet unmissable approach to redesigning the cinema hall intended to changing viewe behaviour in more ways than one.
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
C. CONVERSE: THE SOCIAL EXIT ZONE
The result of spending multiple hours inside a cinema hall immersed in another universe, catalyzes a transition. Throughout the film's duration, one develops an varied emotions and thoughts building up , pleading to be expressed, discussed and debated. Occasionally, there is also an urge to absorb the film and allow the space outside to embrace this retention.
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
As I stepped out of the hall, I met with a space which acknowledged both these scenarios. Titled 'Converse', the space consisted of a bar and a seating area, with a host of fellow movie-goers involved in intense conversations and interpretations of Deewar's anti-hero depictions. A composition of elements were used for seating in a sunken portion (including the base of the structural column), allowing people to linger and settle down to engage in social discussions. 

The vibrant space was aided by multiple film posters and postcards from cinephiles and artists themselves, contributing to their love for cinema.
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
This transitioned into an outdoor spill-over area, consisting of a small outdoor amphi-theatre and a cafe. (select the images to expand details)
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
D. THE REAR FACE
A second exit opened towards the rear of the cinemas for the purpose of quicker egress and emergency evacuation. It led into a small gallery that opened out into a shaded area facing the residential part of Sector 14. Above the gallery  on the first floor, was an archive room. This was accessible from the confectionary area of the cinema hall. In-between the steps and the archive room was an experiential corridor, that allowed in a dynamic range of sunlight patterns to accentuate the space. (select the images to expand details)
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
E. THE PAYAL RECREATIONAL COMPLEX
Originally being the half-abandoned Payal Commercial Complex consisting of merely a few offices, this space had taken a lively turn. The architect had transformed the typical government-office vocabulary into a more expressive visual identity, through a reinterpreted usage of arches and frames. A landscaped backyard enabled leisure and conversation for people, while also pedestrianizing the commercial edge.  
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
Intending to commercialize and revitalize the place and integrate it with the cinemas, a host of functions had been introduced to attract footfall. The DVD Store was the highlight of the place, bringing a nostalgic old-school touch of purchasing cinema DVDs of films unavailable on Indian OTT Platforms. The Merchandise Store sold film memorabilia and artsy posters, while the retail stores on the ground floor instigated the footfall. 

Re-shifting the staircase allowed for the central core to clear up, offering a buffer zone and space for a public washroom. The layout intent was to encourage social interactions and confrontations.
The second floor of the recreational complex was dedicated for offices, retained from the original commercial complex. Balconies towards the side of the main facade allowed for relaxing breaks and visible social interactions while taking a panoramic view of Sector-14's urban composition. The abandoned rooms on the upper floor now housed a restaurant, with the adjoining terrace being used to host events, gatherings, gigs and open-air film screenings to create an energetic social environment (select the images to expand further details). 
II - THE NEW STRUCTURE - SUPPLEMENTARY SPATIAL INTERVENTIONS
With a revitalizing Saturday evening on my hands, I intended to make the most of my rare free time away from everyday routine. The layered public square offered a variety of interesting and unconventional activities, which really intrigued me. 
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
1. THE SOCIAL CONDENSOR
Juxtaposed next to Payal's entry, was a set of steps that descended downwards towards the public square. This descend reminded me of a spatial transition similar to subways, metro and railway stations and underpasses (all examples of liminal spaces and parallel reality within the urban context). Like in Payal Cinemas, the descend was like setting foot into another narrative, with an audible social buzz in the background serving as build-up to my entry. I made my way in...
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
2. THE SUNKEN SQUARE
...and another new universe opened up! 
The circular and arched openings in the social condenser allowed transitional glances at the thriving public space in-between. As I stepped outside, a large square greeted me, with an open-air amphi-theatre towards my left. The place hosted performances, theatre, events, or simply initiated social interaction. Sinking the public square was to motivate fast-paced visitors to slow down, linger and pausing, thereby engaging with the space and vice versa.  
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
But what really grabbed my attention was this arched entrance right in the middle, leading to a central platform juxtaposed with the O.A.T. On this platform, was a glass structure, shaded by a flamboyant seasonal tree standing besides it. As I inched towards it, I saw a small storyboard next to the structure, describing the space and the symbolic idea behind it; the architect's own narrative contribution towards the space (select the images to expand further details).
3. THE NICKELODEANS 
Towards the right of the tree, was a mini composition of ground floor structures; a vintage time machine. The retro textures complimented the array of film posters and artwork on the wall. An illuminated signboard read 'Cine-Portal'. Now deeper into the narrative of the spatial cinematic universe, I ventured inside this rather intimate world... 
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
Compact and intimate, these nickelodeons were a valuable addition to the Payal Cinema Complex. It served as an ode to the history of cinemas, with nicklodeans being the first typology of indoor cinemas to emerge in the early 1900s (and hence, named Cine-Portal). 

Currently, their flexible functionality is what attracted footfall to the sunken square. Not only did this space host occasional and small-scale film festivals, but it also allowed nearby institutions to hire this space for workshops, weekend film screenings and video interactions. This enabled institutions and distributors to sponsor activities for the nickelodean, thereby being completely self-sustainable in nature while also keeping the space active throughout. The intimate spatiality encouraged visitors to establish the three Cs (connections, confrontations and conversations). 
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
4. THE ARTHOUSE CINEMA
(select the images to expand details)
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
The architect's confession revealed how the space was heavily inspired from Sala Equis, a redeveloped cultural public theatre space and arthouse cinema. Incorporating subtle changes to fit into the jigzaw of the Indian urban context, the spatiality of Sala Equis was replicated at Payal Cinemas as an experiment to introduce and acknowledge the social atmosphere and engaging spaces useful for providing the indie cinema and film festivals vibe.  
5. THE RETREAT ZONE
The dense tree-cover adjacent to the site offered a desired silence from the city lights, embodying escape from urban everydayness in its most literal sense. To extend this quality into the architectural spaces of the cinema, a library was introduced. It was designed to serve as an urban retreat, through a combination of open, semi-open and covered spaces blending with the dense foliage around.   
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
The library utilized the similar vocabulary of arches and frames, which served as symbolic portals and cinematic framing devices to introduce various spatial narratives. The terrace of the low-lying structure also served purposeful for interactions and social gatherings, overlooking the courtyards and open spaces.
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
The courtyards in-between embraced light and shadow with utmost evocative-ness. The honeycomb brick wall created interesting light and shadow patterns in that space throughout the day, thereby forming a variety of spatial interpretations and perspectives, like cinema itself.   
Surrounded by the Library and the Art House Cinema was an intimate pocket of space where open-air film screenings were held. As the sun set, one couldn't help truly letting themselves become part of this universe; a temporary reality different from the one they lived everyday, transformative in experience. A reality which departs from the typical urban behaviours and structures, into a more engaging and humane built environment embracing narratives, expression and belonging alike. 

I could sense the warm comfort of the space as I huddled alongside an enthusiastic group of people my age, ready to watch the trilogy of short films being screened. The illuminated frames in the background and the tree in the centre was atmospheric, making conversations, discussions and the film-watching experience all the more memorable. 
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
Ready to leave, I walked towards the exit with a smile on my face, as the real-life scenes of a fulfilling day spent at Payal Cinemas played out in my head. The experience, was indeed, transformative in nature. The feeling of imagined narratives coming to life, yet being all the more present within immediate surroundings, felt exponentially rare as time went by in the city. 

Close to the exit, another small pamphlet was handed out. It was a note from the architect.....
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
architecture architecture project Architecture Thesis art Cinema design Film film theatre illustrations narrative
P I C T U R E    A B H I    B A A K I    H A I    M E R E    D O S T !
Look, The Door is Open - Architecture Thesis (Full)
Published:
Jaidev Tripathy's profile

Owner

Jaidev Tripathy's profile
Gurgaon, India

Look, The Door is Open - Architecture Thesis (Full)

'Look the Door is Open' is my final-year undergraduate architecture thesis, approached as a personal project. It combines multiple perspectives, Read More

Published:

Tools

Creative Fields