KINONEKINO by XTOPIX architekti; Czech Republic

Planá represents a typical example of the Sudet cities – due to the expulsion of the former German population the town lost its memory. The DNA of the place started changing at that time. The object of the original Border Guards’ Cinema was built in 1959 under the so-called Initiative Z (built by people it’s self). It was the first major construction work of the local population newly inhabiting the town Planá after the expulsion of the original German population in 1946.

The main concept of transforming a cinema into a cultural center consists in the creation of separate operational units with the possibility of spatial interconnection according to the requirements of a particular event.

Cultural community center as an transformation accelerator of the town into the region cultural center. The town municipality plans to build brand new cultural values motivating people to stay in their hometown and on the other hand to support newcomers in their decisions to move in. The renovation of the building targeted to rebuild the cinema into a multifunctional space while keeping the strong axial character. The communication and operational axis passes across the whole building layout connecting town public spaces.

What makes this project one-of-a-kind?
The transformation of the former dying movie theater from 50’s created conditions for town live culture advancement. It combines the world of art, culture and social life. New qualitative links brought through theater, cinema, exhibitions, lectures and diverse community events enrich the intellectual and human potential of the town.

Text provided by the architects.