Westfield Hamburg Überseequartier comprises 14 distinct buildings housing nearly 580 apartments, office space for 4,000 employees, multiple cultural and entertainment venues, more than 40 restaurants and cafés, and approximately 170 retail stores. Palm-inspired glass roofs arch gracefully over the pedestrian zones. Three hotels and the cruise terminal are set to open later this year. Expansive public spaces along Chicagokai connect the quarter to the Elbe, extending the waterfront promenades. Chapman Taylor's Düsseldorf office emerged as the winner of the architectural competition for this sprawling complex's entertainment components and was awarded the contract to design the premium multiplex cinema—a ten-screen venue including a Dolby cinema offering nearly 2,200 seats in total.

The cinema impresses with its generous and distinctive interior architecture, featuring multiple lounge areas designed to invite guests to linger before the film begins. The architectural centerpiece is the ceiling installation in the cinema's open atrium—a striking feature suspended in undulating waves using 8,700 metal rods. The result is mesmerizing: these height-staggered elements are visible from the food court level on the first floor and create moments of wonder as guests ascend via the wide escalators to the second and fourth levels. The dramatic foyer welcomes visitors with a series of custom lounges, popcorn and beverage stations, and distinctive cinema portal entrances. Wave-inspired forms, textured finishes, and maritime materiality echo the nearby harbour setting. The design language celebrates openness and clarity. Elegantly proportioned staircases and thoughtfully carved niches throughout the ticketing and concession areas establish dynamic, welcoming spaces that transform a cinema visit into an unforgettable experience. Three primary materials—exposed concrete, wood, and steel—establish a cohesive spatial atmosphere enhanced by sophisticated lighting design.

Functionality and wayfinding are paramount, so each theatre entrance features a distinctive portal design with unique lighting and material treatments inspired by the diverse forms and colours of the underwater realm. The theatre portals extend diagonally into the foyer, ensuring clear visibility and intuitive navigation. Each auditorium showcases its own striking design, enriched by sophisticated computer-controlled lighting effects that deliver captivating displays before the main feature. Exceptionally comfortable seating and sofas, cutting-edge technical refinements, and best-in-class image and sound standards complete the experience.

www.chapmantaylor.com

Images:
Chapman Taylor

(Published in CUBE Hamburg 02|25)