Caution Cinema
In January 2017, images were released on a fully-immersive, multi-sensory, pop-up cinema that forms part of a new health and safety campaign ‘Beyond Zero’.
Designed by ScottWhitbyStudio, working in conjunction with a major UK port operator, Caution Cinema is a space for the delivery of safety information to port employees across the country.
The designers were challenged with creating an environment that would capture and engage the attention of participants while competing with the noise and hectic environment of Britain’s busy ports. The solution was to take a natural dock environment and introduce a very familiar object but to make it appear startlingly alien.
The team converted an ordinary shipping container into a ‘dark and mysterious realm which challenged expectations’. Internal surfaces are clad with what appear to be sharply-pointed pyramids but are actually resilient, but soft acoustic foam which creates an anechoic (soundless) chamber. With sound being absorbed by the pyramids, all attention is focussed on the video presentations.
On approaching Caution Cinema, attendees are confronted with a maze-like path leading into the container. As well as blocking out external light and sound, the disorientating, winding route makes visitors acutely aware of their surroundings.
The multi-sensory experience makes visitors take extra care and proceed with caution - as promoted by the safety campaign. It is hoped that the memory of the experience will stay in the user’s mind for a long time.
Images © Osman Marfo-Gyasi.
Images and content courtesy of ScottWhitbyStudio.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.