Delite Cinema, 1954
Location : Asaf Ali Road
Patron : Brij Mohan Lal Raizada
Delite Cinema was opened on April 30, 1954 as the tallest building in Delhi and the only air conditioned cinema hall. Brij Mohan Lal Raizada founded the cinema in response to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's desire for Delhi to have its own landmarks after independence. During the 1971 Indo-Pak war, it was the only theatre that broadcast live news from the front lines during its regular presentations.
Some notable Art Deco features can be observed in its Tripartite elevation, with the curves marking its entrance, vertical bandings, bold type neon sign lining the facade (changed after renovation), interiors with lights adorning intricate patterns, door details, and circular counter design. The terrazzo cladded staircase also catches one’s attention with its sinuous curves, ornamental balustrade, wooden handrail and the geometric details on its wooden newel post. In addition to these, the cinema furniture is also synced with the style, being one of the only examples of adopting the style throughout. Though renovated in 2006, it retains features and elements still justifying the influence of the style.
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Image Copyrights : Rishi Kochhar x Deco In Delhi Acknowledgements : Management at Delite Cinemas References : Master and Associates Company Profile (Online)
Tripartite Facade
An architectural typology where the axis at the corner is often concave or faceted and treated like the entrance bay, with side wings often detailed with eyebrows, horizontal speedlines / vertical louvres
Typography
Signages integrated in the building facade. Typically for cinemas and hotels, letters are placed on top of the facade, while in residences, terrazzo work generally helped integrate the text to the artwork, found over entrances
Main Entrance
Central or Faceted axis : shown with either the entrance porch extending out, or accentuated with ornamental features, a use of different material or colour