Overall: all the comments were positive. The critic Dallas (works in HOK) made many comparisons in ideas, not in what is made.
I presented (sloppily) my design as having two main focuses. The first being circulation, and the second opacity, (while, of course, safely and practically functioning as a movie theatre, without letting the design interrupt its function.)
Circulation has two distinct and independent systems: The exterior is a "filtering device," filtering those arriving at the parking lot and the pedestrians walking down Dallas St into the courtyard--- or, the filtering of those entering through the plaza, all which meet in the nexus-- the cafe, administration, ticket sales, social interactions, some good coffee. Inside, one travels through large escalators, taking one to the theatres starting on the first floor.
This circulation is shown with glass/material opacity. The escalators will be very clear glass- maybe waterwhite glass, known for its clarity-- while the circulation loops around the theaters will be opaque-- in which light shines through. The threaters will be exposed and will be solid-- heavy. The escalators will be a sort of connection to the city (they face the downtown lights) while the opaque glass circulation loop is a separation-- look for your movie showing! Don't stare at the lights!
The first thing they mentioned was: This is an excellent diagram.
They mentioned many architects after this...
First, massing. He said the spaces created are made out of "Loosian plastic solids and voids" while subtle, powerful moments are made in how these plastic spaces come together. Ever heard of Siza? he asks me, in which I shake my head. Look him up.
I slur, that the minimalism comes from my penchant for Japanese architecture.
He continues this slur; mentions Tadao Ando. There are similar moments in my design, only that mine is not an object, as Tadao makes his buildings.
Continuity is desired, don't break these moves!
They applaud- keep working at it, refine it. Keep thinking in terms of connection to city/separation from city. Think as the parking lot as a texture, reset the horizon to those entering.
