Discover the BHD Star Cineplex design in HCMC by TD architects. A commercial space infused with a Cinematic Industrial vibe, bridging the nostalgic Vietnamese "front porch" with a futuristic cinematic era.

Cinema Lobby: The transition zone between reality and the realm of illusion

If cinema is a mesmerizing simulated world, the lobby serves as a "transition zone" that helps audiences shed reality before officially entering the dark room.

Approaching the BHD Star Cineplex project, TD architects did not design a mere waiting area but orchestrated a vivid intro scene. The maximal use of metal surfaces creates a hazy, reflective effect where space and people seemingly blur into one. Every step the audience takes across these reflective light streaks operates like a moving film strip, evoking curiosity and excitement from the very first seconds.

The "Front Porch" inspiration - A familiar memory in a futuristic interface

The most intriguing aspect of the spatial challenge at BHD Star Cineplex lies in the elevation difference between the entrance and the inner lobby. Instead of leveling it, TD architects transformed this drawback into an emotional touchpoint by borrowing the image of the "front porch" (mái hiên).

In the Vietnamese consciousness, the front porch is a resting nook—a place to pause for a beat and dust off the road before entering the home. At BHD, this structure is reimagined using Polycarbonate. Shedding the heaviness of traditional materials, the Poly layer offers transparency, lightness, and an abundance of light. A profoundly nostalgic architectural detail is now interpreted through a futuristic design language, neatly tucked into the bustling urban rhythm.

Material language: Cold surfaces, Warm depths

The Industrial spirit of the space is vividly expressed through its material and color palette, rigorously calibrated by TD architects to avoid any sense of rigidity:

• Neutral Gray Foundation: Gray tiles and brushed stainless steel surfaces create a cool fit-out frame, softening the light and serving as a perfect backdrop for other details to shine.
• The Intersection of Temperatures: To counterbalance the coldness of metal, TD architects introduced leather and velvet fabrics into the interior furnishings. This contrast between hard and soft, cold and warm, brings depth and a sense of intimacy to the users.
• Pops of Color: Touches of green appear on the floor and furniture like rare slices of nature, evoking the feeling of a small garden hidden within a mechanical space station. Meanwhile, warm yellow hues are evenly scattered, guiding the audience's gaze throughout the lobby.
• Dynamic Metal Piping: Inspired by a popcorn production line, the metal pipes running along the ceiling space are not only sculptural but also create a playful, energetic visual rhythm.

Combined with a meticulously calculated lighting system to minimize harsh shadows, the metal surfaces are thoroughly accentuated, fully showcasing the sleek beauty of the structural system.

Poster exhibition station - An invitation from the "Cinematic Lab"
The visual journey does not stop at the lobby. The poster exhibition area is design

Moving beyond conventional, static light boxes, the poster clusters are housed within grid structures and sci-fi-infused metal frames, making the area look like a multidimensional image-screening "lab". The images are interactive and dynamic, creating the sensation that the audience is literally walking past a giant, slow-motion film reel. It is the most evocative and captivating invitation before they immerse themselves in the cinematic journey behind the theater doors.

The TD architects Signature - Brand Storytelling Through Space

With BHD Star Cineplex, TD architects continues to affirm its design philosophy: A commercial space must not only be beautiful but also possess the ability to tell a story. By boldly combining metal materials, Industrial design language, and subtle nostalgic touchpoints, the project breaks away from traditional cinema molds, bringing a new definition to a holistic cinematic experience from the very first glance.

Explore more commercial projects from TD architects:
👉 Top Pilates - A tranquil "breathing sanctuary" echoing Modern Wabi-Sabi
👉 Phu Quoc Shophouse - A corner of Amalfi beneath the Phu Quoc sun