Havelock One creates interiors for renovated theatre in Kuwait

The renovation of a 66-year-old cinema in Kuwait has been completed by Havelock One Interiors, resulting in the first and only boutique cinema concept in Kuwait.

The 1954 Film House at Al Kout Mall was originally incepted by Kuwait National Cinema Company (KNCC), the first cinema operator in the GCC, in the same year that KNCC itself was established.

KNCC appointed Havelock One Interiors as fit-out contractor, responsible for the renovation of the three movie screens, the foyer area and the impressive frontage.

The entrance to the cinema features vintage marquee signage, displaying movie titles in crisp, retro typography and a ticketing booth offering classic concierge service, complete with a menu of movies to watch. Terrazzo tiles and golden brass panels adorn the foyer, where movie posters, tickets and other nostalgic memorabilia from decades past are on display.

Havelock One also applied distinctive designs to each of the three auditoria, following lighting motifs in gold, red and blue, and produced luxury seats upholstered in the same colour spectrum. The fit-out contractor also installed Gustafs linear rib acoustic panels and Eomac fabric wallcovering for soundproofing.

“The interior fit-out of this unique commercial establishment in Kuwait … [with] vintage aesthetics and retro-inspired design elements treats moviegoers, young and old, to a museum-like journey through the history of the motion-picture theatre in the region,” said Imtiaz Mahadiwala, Director of Operations in Kuwait at Havelock One Interiors.

“The 1954 Film House brings back the playful, experimental and exuberant spirit of this golden period in history at a time when the design industry of the region is thriving. We hope that this inspires a new generation of creative minds in the region,” Mahadiwala added.