In Krakow's Zabłocie district, where history meets modernity, {tag:studenci} from the Faculty of Architecture at the Cracow University of Technology designed the Polish Cinema Pavilion, a space promoting Polish cinema. It is an attempt to find a new place for cinema in a rapidly changing world.
visualization of the pavilion
© Wojciech Buchtalarz
searching for a new identity
The COVID-19 pandemic closed the doors to cinemas for a long time, forcing viewers and audiences to move their cinematic experiences into the domestic sphere. With the growing dominance of streaming platforms such as Netflix and HBO, traditional movie theaters found themselves in a difficult position. Even with the reopening of cinema spaces, fewer and fewer people are choosing to watch movies on the big screen, opting instead for the comforts of home.
front elevation
© Wojciech Buchtalarz
In designing his pavilion, Wojciech Buchtalarz not only refers to the existing reality, but also challenges cultural changes. His goal is to revitalize movie theaters as places for social interaction, education and the discovery of cinematography in its full dimension - far from the experience offered by the living room screen.
cross-section A-A, side elevation © Wojciech Buchtalarz 
architectural heritage of polish cinemas
The Polish Cinema Pavilion was inspired by modernist cinema buildings from the 1960s - such as the Kosmos Cinema in Szczecin and the Kijów Cinema in Krakow. Their characteristic setback from the street created a public space that served both cinemagoers and city residents. Buchtalarz transfers this concept to contemporary realities, designing a pavilion that opens up to the city and invites viewers to interact with the space.
courtyard
© Wojciech Buchtalarz
The lump of the pavilion is a synthesis of tradition and modernity. The overhang of the building at the intersection of pedestrian routes refers to the historic Telpod factory footbridge, which once dominated the landscape of Zablocie. The use of titanium-zinc sheet metal on the facade emphasizes the industrial character of the district, while giving the building a contemporary expression.
interior
© Wojciech Buchtalarz
a place that inspires
The Polish Cinema Pavilion is much more than a traditional movie theater. The project involves the creation of a multifunctional space that will operate all year round. An open-air cinema, a courtyard with small architecture, educational workshops and exhibition spaces - all these elements harmonize with the idea of promoting Polish cinematography.
interior
© Wojciech Buchtalarz
The building is located in the heart of Zablocie's new cultural and educational tract, surrounded by Oskar Schindler's Emalia Factory, the MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art and the AMA Film Academy. In this way, the pavilion becomes part of a larger narrative about the revitalization of the neighborhood, combining cultural and educational functions with the industrial identity of the site.
The interior design of the pavilion was designed to meet the needs of both movie lovers/lovers and casual visitors. The first floor features a museum store, restaurant and exhibition spaces dedicated to the history of Polish cinema. A spiral staircase leads to the upper and lower floors - to two cinema halls and a terrace overlooking the dynamically changing Zabłocie district.
interior +1
© Wojciech Buchtalarz
The cinema halls have been equipped with the latest technology to ensure the highest standard of acoustics and projection. These spaces, preceded by educational exhibitions, allow viewers/spectators to immerse themselves in the history and significance of Polish cinematography.
sustainable architecture in the service of culture
Wojciech Buchtalarz's design takes into account contemporary requirements for sustainable development. The façade made of fully recycled materials emphasizes the building's ecological character. Thanks to its thoughtful location in the heart of the city, the pavilion encourages the use of public transportation, bicycles or walking, while reducing the need to use cars.
In addition, the division of the block into two parts allows the building to be partially enclosed in the event of new pandemic restrictions. This functional flexibility allows cultural activities to continue in almost any situation.
cinema hall
© Wojciech Buchtalarz
cinema anew - a vision for the future
The Polish Cinema Pavilion is not just a building. It is a space that redefines the role of cinema in society, restoring it to its rightful place in culture and urban space. In an era of streaming dominance and social change,the Polish Cinema Pavilion reminds us of the value of physical meeting places - where film is not just content, but also an experience. For Krakow and for Polish cinematography, this place could become a symbol of a new chapter in the history of cinemas, which are rediscovering their role in the world of culture.
