Now Playing: The 21st Century Movie Theater
January 26, 2004
by Kris Garrison
Leland Gray of LPDJ Architects LLC in Bountiful, Utah spent his younger years learning the movie theater business. His family owned a movie theater in Sandpoint, Idaho. He ran the theater during his high school and college years so he has theater operation experience and understands the ins and outs of the equipment and business management aspect.
In a recent interview with Leland, I asked why Monolithic Domes provide the ideal architecture for movie theaters. Leland said, "Theatres should look unique. They always have. That's tradition with theaters. Monolithic Domes are the perfect structure to provide a unique and interesting theater on the outside and the inside. People are attracted to the unusual."
In addition to the normal attributes such as safety, security and disaster resistance of a Monolithic Dome, Leland claims that in the theater industry the energy efficiency and the circular design contributes to an overall lower cost of operation for owners which equals increased profits.
Leland said it's not the cost of structure alone that tops the list of big expenses of getting in and staying in business, it's the ongoing cost of operations. In other words, personnel, ongoing maintenance and energy costs.
Equipment Cost Savings
Because of the circular design, a projection booth can be located in the center of dome. Since the theaters can be located fairly close together, one film can be used at staggering times to provide showings in 3 or 4 different theaters. This minimizes expenses not only in movie rental costs, but in personnel costs as well.
Energy Savings
When we head out the door anticipating a cinema experience, we assume we will be comfortable during the showing. Fresh air, heating and cooling a theater is important to customer comfort level. Since most theaters today house anywhere from 4-20 theaters, energy cost can be extremely expensive - especially in the summer months. Because of the dome's thermal battery, ongoing heating and cooling costs are dramatically decreased ? up to 50 percent.
Dramatic Sound Isolation
Outside sounds such as sirens, storms, trains, and other noises can oftentimes become a distraction during a theatrical performance or movie viewing. Because Monolithic Domes are super insulated with polyurethane foam and sprayed with concrete, it has been given an inordinately high STC rating, so exterior sounds are virtually eliminated, making the theatrical experience more enjoyable.
IMAX or Planetarium Theaters
Monolithic Dome design possibilities are endless. Other types of theaters such as an IMAX or a planetarium have incredible potential. Leland said, "As technology improves and we move beyond IMAX to possibly something even more high tech, using a Monolithic Dome is the ideal way to go." A Monolithic Dome as a planetarium provides surround video and sound.
For more information about theater design, you can contact either Monolithic or LPDJ Architects, LLC.
LPDJ Architects, LLC
1409 S. 600 W. Unit D
Bountiful, Utah 84010
Leland Gray: lee@lpdj.com
Jesse Harris: jesse@lpdj.com
Office (801)294-5005
Fax (801)294-5155
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Dome Park Place - Italy, TX 76651
Tel (972)483-7423 - Fax (972)483-6662
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