Nestled on Haikou, an island city embraced by the South China Sea, the Haikou Gaoxingli Insun Cinema by One Plus Partnership reimagines cinematic architecture with a poetic, tactile narrative. Instead of leaning into predictable oceanic blues, the designers drew inspiration from the very essence of the beach—sand transformed into brick, crafting a space that feels both timeless and intimately connected to its coastal surroundings.
The cinema’s lobby is a masterclass in material storytelling. Thousands of bricks, each cut to differing lengths, ripple across walls and surfaces like frozen waves, their rough textures softened by the warm glow of hidden lighting. The undulating forms create movement even in stillness, with every angle revealing a new play of shadows and depth. Sunlight filters through strategically placed windows—a rarity in cinemas—casting dynamic patterns that evolve throughout the day.
Beyond aesthetics, the design is deeply functional. Gray-painted waves along the floor guide visitors safely, while curved countertops and seating booths mimic the fluidity of water. The architects avoided repetition, ensuring no two brick arrangements are identical, much like the organic irregularity of nature. Overhead, exposed pipes and velvety fabric panels add bursts of color, evoking a sense of playful sophistication. A whimsical mascot dances across the flooring, while copper-toned chairs offer an autumnal embrace, balancing warmth with maritime coolness.
The auditoriums continue this sensory journey. The first space dazzles with bold, brushstroke-like colors sweeping across walls, complemented by dimensional fabric panels resembling freshly cut wood. Seating is arranged in organic clusters, evoking a florist’s atelier with a faint, soothing fragrance. The second auditorium embraces a fiercer palette, with panels mimicking tiger lilies and rough brick edges. Illuminated margin lines draw the eye vertically, while the soaring curves overhead subtly echo the South China Sea’s enveloping waves.
One Plus Partnership’s design transcends mere visual appeal—it’s an immersive, tactile experience. By avoiding clichés and reinterpreting oceanic inspiration through brick, light, and form, they’ve crafted a cinema that feels both anchored in its environment and unconstrained by time. The Haikou Gaoxingli Insun Cinema isn’t just a place to watch films; it’s a sculptural homage to the sea, built to endure and enchant for generations.