Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

Open-Air Cinema

Jakarta

Indonesia

Contributed by 
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
August 13, 2015
May 1, 2024

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

At the 2013 Jakarta Biennale—a global contemporary art festival held in the Indonesian capital—architects Csutoras & Liando collaborated with Jakarta nonprofit Kineforum to construct a temporary outdoor cinema, MISBAR. Using common materials like agricultural shade cloth, galvanized piping, and sheets of plywood, the designers drafted plans for a large but ultra-light amphitheater with quick setup. Consisting of a large steel-frame structure from which hung long sheer curtains, the LQC theater also had a colorfully painted wooden partition, which separated the screen from a distinct foyer and bleacher seating area. There was overhead lighting in the front-of-house ticketing area, and between films visitors could congregate or enjoy a snack on one of the many picnic tables lining the theater’s perimeter.

The story behind this amphitheater is as inspiring as the LQC strategies used in its construction. Open-air cinemas, once a regular fixture of Indonesian cityscapes, have in large part migrated indoors to Jakarta’s affluent downtown shopping centers. For many who lack access or funds, the pleasure of movie going has become a rarity, and the Biennal’s temporary amphitheater worked to revitalize this tradition. Just behind the structure, overlooking the event, stood an important national monument—a 20th century obelisk dedicated to the country’s struggle for independence—and the screenings themselves highlighted the country’s rich history and culture. As a reflection of a place’s unique culture and history, the Jakarta cinema shows how the significance of an LQC project can go well beyond its physical components.  

 

Access & Linkages

Comfort & Image

Uses & Activities

Sociability

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

Related Links & Sources

Photo credits, from left: Laszlo Csutoras via ArchDaily,  Laszlo Csutoras via ArchDaily,  Laszlo Csutoras via ArchDaily,  Laszlo Csutoras via ArchDaily,  Laszlo Csutoras via ArchDaily,  Trevor Patt via Flickr

Follow Kineforum

Website: kineforum.org

Facebook: facebook.com/kineforum

Twitter: @kineforum

Open-Air Cinema
The space played host to a number of uses
Open-Air Cinema
The mood at the festival
Open-Air Cinema
Simple materials allowed for an LQC fabrication
Open-Air Cinema
Jakarta's open-air cinema
Open-Air Cinema
The mood at the festival
Open-Air Cinema
A place to bump into friends
Open-Air Cinema
Open-Air Cinema

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

NOMINATE A PLACE

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