'Storyhouse' is the new name given to the renovated Art Deco cinema that has been re-purposed to serve as a cultural center in Chester, England. Brick, frosted glass and copper extensions have been added to the 1930s cinema, creating what architects are calling its "contemporary twin."
A library, restaurant and cafe and cinema can be found inside the £37 million structure. The central red staircase, which is visible from the outside, is juxtaposed against the Art Deco-style plaste,r which remained in tact during the renovations. The old cinema was replaced with a mezzanine level, which can hold 100 people and is enclosed in a glass box.
The renovation project was successful in modernizing a classic, yet dated structure without sacrificing the site's historical and artistic roots.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Adaptive Renovations
- Opportunity to repurpose and renovate historic buildings to create vibrant cultural centers.
- Contemporary Twins
- Innovation in architectural design to seamlessly blend modern additions with historic structures.
- Cultural Center Revival
- Renovating old cinemas as multi-purpose cultural hubs that preserve the site's historical significance.
Where This Applies
- Architecture
- Opportunity for architects to apply innovative design techniques in blending old and new structures.
- Arts and Entertainment
- Revitalizing cinema as a cultural center to provide diverse experiences for the community.
- Hospitality
- Opportunity for hotels and restaurants to integrate cultural spaces for guests to enjoy immersive experiences.
