For their design of Broadway Palace Premiere Cinema in the Kerry Centre in Hangzhou, China, One Plus Partnership took a piece of technical cinematic equipment – the reflector – as their central inspiration.

The over-sized shiny discs are used to light movie sets and the different hues of reflective material create a different tone of light.

“The characteristic round-shape of reflectors is incorporated into the design; there are many subtle and detailed representations of the theme in the various spaces,” says the studio.

A number of ‘reflectors’ in brown aluminium and hairline-finish steel come together to form a large ceiling installation in the cinema’s lobby.

The discs dangle, overlap, and point in different directions – casting dramatic shadows on the floor of the lobby.

“These static installations create a sense of movement throughout the cinema; the specially designed overlapping and intersection of the round plates creates a flow among these plates,” the designers say.

This statement installation proved a great challenge for the studio. As the designers explain, “A minor incongruence of the actual installation with the original design would ruin the entire decoration.”

Complicated 3D models were created and the installation team had to be meticulous in how they placed the discs.

On the lobby floor, giant round plates matching those above are stacked together to create seating. The walls are all rounded to match the circular reflectors.

In the corridors, wall lamps are topped with reflective discs, echoing the central theme and diffusing the light.

The designers have incorporated high technology into their chosen theme. The reflectors on the fourth floor form LED screens for visitors to view movie trailers and ticketing information.

In terms of colour palette the cinema takes an industrial line with pervading hues of grey. This is offset with the odd shock of yellow.

The floor, ceiling, and some furniture in the lobby are formed in stone etched with geometric shapes that reflect the dramatic installation above.