Cinema Complex at Moratuwa

• Name: Amandra Senalankadhikara
• Year: 2016
• Studio: Level III
• University: University of Moratuwa

Against the chaos of haphazard urban development, the cinema complex, an entertainment hub of gaming arcade and food courts was designed to stand out in its futuristic monolithic structure, creating a vast open public space; connecting streets and people.

The cinema is located at an intersection, an open public space is created at the edge while the form floats above it. The open space in the ground allows for visibility between the roads, connecting the roads, gathering area and cinema together.

Unlike the existing cinemas in Sri Lanka, the design provides a clearly visible form. Which compels the user to approach the site. The bulk of the form appears to be floating above an open gathering space at ground level.

The solid facades facing East and West to reduce solar gain. Further facilitated by the use of radiation absorbing materials while allocating all circulations and services facing both sides. Glass facade that exposes the ventilation areas face the south.

This is a dynamic and vibrant public space for social interaction. There is a feeling of openness and connection; the movement of people through the building can be seen by those in the lower levels, through the glass facade. This brings the design into life.