CENTER FOR EARTH IN ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
VEGAPUNK aims to transform the movie-watching experience by turning theaters into community spaces. The layout creates blind spots to encourage unexpected encounters, featuring large lounge areas for socializing and narrower corridors that guide visitors through the space—structural beams subtly direct movement, fostering exploration.
The largest auditorium, located on the second
floor, takes "seeing each other" to the next level. Designed as a mirrored space, it features two tilted screens at the center axis, allowing visitors to watch a movie while facing each other, simultaneously observing the reactions of other audience members.
On the East facade, pedestrians on S 1st St can view the audience inside during a screening through a one-way mirror-like curtain wall.
This voyeuristic design challenges the private nature of theaters, creating opportunities for unique encounters.
Additional features include peep holes in auditoriums 3 and 4, allowing potential moviegoers a preview before entering. The theater also offers exhibition space for independent video artists and an outdoor theater, expanding VEGAPUNK's programmatic offerings.
Program: cultural
Size: 6000 m2
Year: 2024
Location: Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
