If you love film (which we do), you love the preservation of historically important buildings (which we do) and you hate cinema multiplexes (which we do), you will love this renovation project of the Weltspiegel picture palace in Cottbus, Germany. We do.
The pre-existing building dates back more than a century and holds a lot of history, not to mention memories, within its walls, so Studio Alexander Fehre had to tread carefully after being cast in the role of heroic architectural saviour – not only giving the ageing star a facelift, but expanding her repertoire with an annexe housing two new screen theatres and a bar.
The façade is as classically grand as befits such an august venue, but it is behind the scenes where the design firm have made the real magic happen. The entrance hall, foyer and bar are as glamorous as the exterior but rather than go in the safer period reproduction direction, Studio Alexander Fehre has opted for a futuristic vision which incorporates touches of yesteryear to keep the whole piece coherent. The Weltspiegel is certainly in the running for our Critics Choice Award.
Photography, Zooey Braun
