In Haikou, China’s Henan Island, a strikingly contemporary new single-material movie theater and coffee shop design by One Plus Partnership Ltd. has risen from a humble brick.
Plunging overhead and rising from its foundations, Haikou Gaoxingli Yinsun Cinema & Coffee Bar’s monochromatic interior is animated by light and shadow, jack-on-jack masonry patterns, and elegant curves that evoke movement.
With the island location in mind, the architecture firm took inspiration from the ocean with a wave motif that extends from both the ceiling and floor, and also serves as lighting, tables, and seating.
“We placed the bricks precisely to create the appearance of waves,” the studio said in a statement. “These waves have many layers, and you can see them all from any angle.”
The incorporation of blocky bricks adds a playful tension to the idea of fluidity, giving the interior a sense of solidity and solidity while also suggesting movement and change. As a counterpoint to water, the designers chose materials reminiscent of the sandy coastline that surrounds the island.
One Plus Partnership’s large-scale projects often emphasize clean lines, modern materials, and sculptural forms. Find out more on the studio’s website and Instagram.
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