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Leigh&Orange reinterpret the traditional theatre design
Seldom are there opportunities to design the spatial prequel to a multi-million dollar show on the scale of the 'City-of-Dreams’ ‘The House of Dancing Water’. Given that challenge and minimal design time the interior design team of L&O produced a striking solution and a memorable pre- and post-show experience – completing construction on 03 September 2010 just before the show’s grand opening.
The theme of the design is a reinterpretation of the traditional theatre, generated through a rejuvenated assemblage of memorable elements into a strikingly modern and richly sensuous entity. The colours and the lighting effects all have roots in the tradition of sumptuous and luxurious glamour, both of which ensure this is a fitting transitional space. The atmospheric theatre portal links together several spaces into the overall pre-show experience – ticket office, theatre outlet and concessions forming an instantly recognizable, memorable and cohesive space. Whilst providing subliminal references to theatre the overall composition re-interprets the traditional by generating an entirely contemporaneous solution: a delicate collage of old and new materials and motifs. Some generated by interactive media installations others by striking planes of printed materials. Wall coverings are selected to provide a kaleidoscope of mirror-like reflections and waves of metallic shimmer in the box office walls and counter. Mirror columns in the portal reflect the elements and animations of their ever-changing surroundings and dissolve the columns into space.
This spectacular sense of heightened arrival elevates the entire guest experience on the journey to the show. Technology is used to provide audio-visual glimpses of the show, whilst stage lighting is used as an aesthetic element to signify the functional whilst also bathing the portal with a warm tone. An interactive projection installation completes the scene by provides ever-changing patterns on the elliptical “pool” located in the centroid of the strikingly geometric carpet.