Orbital Dawn

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  • 2025

  • Built Environment
    Interior Design

Designed By:

Commissioned By:

Broadway Circuit

Designed In:

Hong Kong

“Orbital Dawn” by Design Action is a cinema in Nanjing, China, where star trails inspire a virtual, immersive journey through time, space, and film.


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  • CHALLENGE
  • SOLUTION
  • IMPACT
  • MORE
  • Curves are central to the space plan, reflecting star trails and symbolizing infinite time. They guide patrons through a flowing, cosmic experience. Nearly a thousand curves define the space boundaries, drawn and adjusted on-site for accuracy and aesthetics. The original lobby faced a low ceiling height worsened by bulky air conditioning ducts under three meters, limiting design options and posing a major challenge.

  • The designer addressed the low ceiling challenge by allocating the lower ceiling area for ticket and concession counters, preserving maximum height elsewhere. Original ductwork was concealed with circular light troughs and custom suspended metal elements, which echoed the curved design theme. These embellishments enhanced the space's visual impact while maintaining functionality and aesthetic appeal.

  • The designer enhanced its market value through a distinctive, eye-catching design that sets it apart from competitors. Unique “check-in spots,” like the “Dawnlight Glass” on the facade, encourage social media sharing, boosting the cinema’s visibility and establishing it as a landmark. By combining innovative design, sustainability, and targeted market positioning, the cinema offers more than just movies-it delivers a rich cultural experience and commercial appeal. It stands as a cultural icon, shaping future trends in entertainment consumption.

  • Star trails represent the passage of time, each star's trajectory marking a fleeting moment. Countless intertwining star trails compose the cosmic timeline. Stepping into the lobby, one feels transported into a spaceship. Gazing upwards, blue light streaks like shooting stars across the ceiling, tracing circular paths symbolizing the intersection of time and space. The floor, with its four diverging hues, echoes the celestial patterns above, creating an immersive environment. Space grey metallic panels form the foundational palette, evoking a sense of futuristic technology. Interspersed throughout, gradient glass elements resemble dawnlight, offering glimpses into another realm. The designer utilizes numerous LED screens to create a modern space. The expansive metallic walls reflect the virtual spaces within the screens, creating an interplay between reality and illusion.