The revitalization of the EC1 Łódź complex is one of the most ambitious urban planning and cultural projects of recent years. The former thermal power plant - today a center of science, art and entertainment - combines historical character with the latest technologies, offering a space where science and culture merge in an inseparable way.
© DPS Group
It is in this extraordinary environment that the National Film Culture Center has been located - a place where cinema enthusiasts can explore the secrets of domestic film art, learn about the history of comics or video games, and experience modern forms of exhibition. DPS Group was honored to co-create this unique space, providing DPS stretch coating technology in the exhibition area, foyer and other key areas of the complex.
© DPS Group
Modern ceilings in the service of cultural heritage
DPS stretch coatings are solutions that allow the creation of uniform, aesthetically pleasing and durable ceiling and wall surfaces, regardless of the complexity of the interior design. Thanks to a wide range of finishes - from gloss, satin, matte or metallic, to the possibility of dedicated prints - architects are given almost unlimited personalization options. This worked particularly well at EC1 because:
-
The industrial atmosphere of the former thermal power planthad to be preserved, while giving the interiors a modern, cultural feel.
-
Acoustics was a challenge - hard and extensive surfaces (brick, concrete, steel) generate long reverberation times. Thanks to the use of Fonosorber micro-perforated tensioned coatings, among other things, auditory comfort was effectively improved, which was crucial in the multimedia and exhibition areas.
-
Lighting had to be precisely controlled - DPS coatings made it possible to incorporate modern LED systems into large-format fixtures that perfectly correspond with the industrial style of the space.
"Polonia Cinema" - a space for movie lovers
On the three exhibition floors of "Kino Polonia" visitors can move back in time and discover the richness of Polish film art. The unique nature of this zone required that the ceilings and walls not only provide a backdrop for the exhibits, but also actively support audiovisual reception:
-
DPS stretch coatings allowed for shadowless, even lighting, crucial for the presentation of original posters, stills or film props.
-
Thanks to the achieved reduction in reverberation, the sound of projections and multimedia does not scatter chaotically throughout the interior, allowing visitors to fully focus on the audiovisual content.
-
Thehigh quality of the prints and the wide possibilities of personalizing the surface made it possible to create an exhibition that perfectly fits into the curatorial concept dedicated to the history of Polish cinema.
© DPS Group
© DPS Group
© DPS Group
© DPS Group
Industrial character vs. contemporary requirements
High ceilings, brick walls and steel structures - these elements give character to the former thermal power plant, but also pose significant challenges. Designers from the renowned MOON Studio were tasked with balancing the historic atmosphere with the functionality of cultural and educational facilities. With help came:
-
DPS microperforated coatings - which absorb sound and provide clear echo reduction.
-
Suspended ceiling and acoustic panel systems - installed in areas with the highest sound levels to prevent uncontrolled sound propagation between zones.
-
Integrated LED lighting - developed in conjunction with DPS to preserve the raw, industrial atmosphere while meeting the highest visual standards in the exhibition space.
The result is a space that impresses with both the raw beauty of the old walls and modern design forms, where every element - from the distribution of light to the dissipation of sound - has been refined to the smallest detail.
© DPS Group
© DPS Group
Comprehensive support from design to execution
DPS Group is not only a supplier of the coatings themselves, but also a trusted partner in projects at the intersection of architecture, design and technology. In the case of EC1 Łódź, we were responsible for:
-
Co-creating the acoustics of the space and recommending optimal solutions based on stretch ceilings (including the use of microperforations).
-
Selection of lighting systems tailored to the nature of the film exhibition, taking into account the challenges of multimedia projections.
-
Coordinating the installation with other trades so that the work proceeds smoothly and does not interfere with the other stages of the revitalization.
-
Personalizing the finishes in accordance with the vision of the curators and designers from MOON Studio, which allowed the stylistic consistency of the entire facility to be maintained.
© DPS Group
The synergy effect of multiple specialties
The designers from MOON Studio took care to preserve the unique atmosphere of the historic complex, while the DPS Group's specialists supported this concept with technologies that combine functionality (acoustic control, even light) with aesthetics (stretch coatings, discreet or expressive lighting forms).
As a result, the National Film Culture Center has managed to create a place where modern solutions do not overwhelm the historic fabric of the building, but enhance it. Visitors can fully enjoy the prepared expositions and take part in multimedia shows - in spaces designed with both comfort and sustainability in mind.
© DPS Group
Ready for more challenges
The modernization of EC1 Lodz shows how to harmoniously combine history with modernity, while taking care of aesthetic, acoustic and lighting issues. DPS Group is proud to have contributed to this unique project, helping to create a friendly space for culture, education and entertainment.
If you are looking for comprehensive solutions for stretch ceilings, acoustics and modern lighting systems, we invite you to contact us. We will be happy to help you realize your next projects, where the vision of the architect and the needs of the users meet in a refined and inspiring form.
Read more on the company's Grupa DPS Sp. z o.o. page on the A&B portal.