Theoretical Basis for the Environmental Strategy of an Arthouse Cinema

Environmental Zoning and the ‘Egg in a Box’ Concept

The proposed environmental strategy is structured around a centralised thermal core—the cinema theatre—surrounded by support and circulation spaces that act as thermal buffers. This “egg in a box” concept is a well-established architectural principle in passive environmental design, used to stabilise internal thermal conditions by encasing high-load zones within insulating peripheral spaces (Hyde, 2000; Baker & Steemers, 2000). The placement of service and circulation zones around the thermally sensitive theatre space creates an opportunity for environmental zoning, allowing differentiated mechanical and passive strategies to be tailored to the requirements of each zone (Szokolay, 2008). This spatial hierarchy supports efficient energy management: while the inner theatre requires intensive climate control (particularly cooling and air filtration), surrounding spaces can benefit from natural ventilation and passive thermal regulation, particularly in the temperate climate zone where seasonal variation allows for mixed-mode operation (Lechner, 2015).

Mixed-Mode Ventilation Strategy

The environmental design combines mechanical ventilation for core spaces with natural ventilation for the outer support areas, consistent with mixed-mode ventilation strategies widely recommended in temperate climate architecture (Brager & de Dear, 1998). In winter and mid-season, heat extracted from the cinema theatre can be redistributed to temper adjacent spaces—using heat recovery principles—before being expelled, improving the energy efficiency of the mechanical systems (CIBSE, 2015). This layering of ventilation strategies also aligns with adaptive comfort theory, which acknowledges users’ ability to tolerate a wider temperature range in naturally ventilated buildings, thus reducing dependence on mechanical cooling (de Dear & Brager, 2002).

Modular Environmental Control and Flexibility

The proposed system of individually serviced environmental zones, using packaged rooftop units, offers a highly adaptable and economical solution for mid-scale construction. This decentralised HVAC approach enhances operational flexibility, allowing selective conditioning of spaces based on real-time use and occupancy patterns (Baker & Steemers, 2000). Though the system limits redistribution of conditioned air between zones, it provides a fine-grained level of control that can reduce energy use in intermittently occupied exhibition or meeting spaces. In addition, the cube-like modules described in Option 3 allow for recombination of environmental zones without altering the core servicing strategy. This supports a long-life, loose-fit design philosophy, enabling future functional adaptation with minimal environmental system overhaul (Brand, 1994).

Daylighting and Natural Ventilation Opportunities

The disaggregated spatial configuration in Option 3 avoids the pitfalls of deep plan buildings, where daylight and fresh air cannot penetrate to core spaces (Evans, 2009). Instead, the strategy of articulated volumes with narrow floor plates allows for cross-ventilation and daylighting, two critical components of passive environmental performance (Givoni, 1998; Hyde, 2000). By fragmenting the mass into smaller environmental units and increasing surface exposure to the external climate, the building maximises envelope-based passive strategies. The roof terraces and semi-external zones such as winter gardens or covered courtyards further serve as thermal buffers and transition zones, modulating the exchange of heat and air between internal and external spaces (Olgyay, 2015).

Integration with Structural and Construction Systems

The modular approach to environmental zoning is matched by a construction strategy favouring local, small-scale building techniques. This includes the use of pre-fabricated or package rooftop ventilation units, which simplify installation and maintenance. As these systems are self-contained, they support the goal of low-impact construction and easy phasing or expansion of the building envelope (Addington & Schodek, 2005). Moreover, the alignment of the structural logic with environmental zoning—using structural modules that form both inhabited zones and environmental compartments—avoids redundant construction layers and supports economical integration of services, particularly in zones that serve as semi-external spaces (e.g. terraces or winter gardens).

Environmental Responsiveness through Modular Zoning

The environmental strategy of the arthouse cinema leverages both spatial and mechanical zoning to balance comfort, adaptability, and efficiency. The preference for Option 3, with its modular environmental zones and façade-integrated volumes, enables a context-responsive approach that maximises daylight, ventilation, and future flexibility, while allowing the use of economical, locally deliverable construction methods. By embedding environmental thinking into the spatial and constructional logic of the building, the design moves beyond compliance into the realm of architecture as climate mediator—an increasingly critical paradigm in sustainable urban development.

References

Addington, D.M. & Schodek, D.L., 2005. Smart Materials and New Technologies for the Architecture and Design Professions. Oxford: Architectural Press.

Baker, N. & Steemers, K., 2000. Energy and Environment in Architecture: A Technical Design Guide. London: E & FN Spon.

Brand, S., 1994. How Buildings Learn: What Happens After They’re Built. New York: Viking Press.

Brager, G. & de Dear, R., 1998. Thermal adaptation in the built environment: a literature review. Energy and Buildings, 27(1), pp.83–96.

CIBSE, 2015. Guide A: Environmental Design. London: Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers.

de Dear, R. & Brager, G.S., 2002. Thermal comfort in naturally ventilated buildings: revisions to ASHRAE Standard 55. Energy and Buildings, 34(6), pp.549–561.

Evans, M., 2009. Housing, Climate and Comfort. Oxford: Architectural Press.

Givoni, B., 1998. Climate Considerations in Building and Urban Design. New York: Wiley.

Hyde, R., 2000. Climate Responsive Design: A Study of Buildings in Moderate and Hot Humid Climates. London: E & FN Spon.

Lechner, N., 2015. Heating, Cooling, Lighting: Sustainable Design Methods for Architects. 4th ed. Hoboken: Wiley.

Olgyay, V., 2015. Design with Climate: Bioclimatic Approach to Architectural Regionalism. Princeton: Princeton University Press.

Szokolay, S.V., 2008. Introduction to Architectural Science: The Basis of Sustainable Design. 2nd ed. Oxford: Architectural Press.