Arabian Film Institute Complex

Role: Project Designer

The design concept of this proposed Institute is inspired by the traditional movie film reels.  The central focus of the complex is to train future filmmakers and to preserve the Middle East’s film heritage.  Strengthened by the surge of film festivals in the region, the Institute also serves as a vehicle to bring together leading artists and educators in the pursuit of this creative art form.

The proposed complex includes an IMAX theater, a large performance hall, 10-screen theaters, flexible venue exhibits, permanent film exhibits, a film library, and themed restaurants.  The facades become a continuous projection screen to show films, advertisements or outdoor film screenings and concerts.  The center will support film festivals and showcase the classics as well as international films and will host special events with filmmakers from around the world.

This concept design proposal was showcased in the book titled “Superlative Emirates: The New Dimension of Urban Design” published by DAAB in 2011.

Design by Howard Chen while at Quantum-AIP as Founding Partner/ Design Director (2009-2015)