Architects: snkh studio
Area: 965 m²
Year: 2020
Photography: Ivan Erofeev, Daniel Annenkov
City: Moscow
Country: Russia
Garage Screen Cinema, designed by snkh studio in Moscow, Russia, was created as a pop-up summer cinema after winning a competition held by the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art in 2020. The design reflects temporary and nomadic architecture, featuring a light, fragile structure without walls, inspired by Bedouin tents and Russian constructivism. Its PVC membrane cover creates a distinct silhouettes. The design adapted well to the pandemic, including natural ventilation and four entrances to manage visitor flow. the seating capacity was reduced from 450 to 250 to ensure social distancing.
The winning design of the Garage Screen Cinema was chosen through the second competition by the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, organized by Strelka KB. It received 136 entries from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia.
The architects emphasized the project’s temporary nature, likening it to nomadic architecture. They sought to make the structure appear light and fragile, avoiding traditional walls or solid barriers.
Drawing inspiration from Bedouin tents, Russian constructivism, and early works of Renzo Piano, the design features a delicate external framework and a PVC membrane cover.
Given the temporary nature of the cinema, the architects aimed for a simpler interaction with the site. The Garage Museum, designed by OMA, is a dominant presence on the square. Thus, the cinema was designed to be “bold” yet not overpowering.
The amphitheater’s contour is subtly indicated on the facade, with the ceiling membrane rising towards the screen, hinting at the structure’s function as an auditorium.
The pandemic delayed construction, but the design’s features were advantageous. The pavilion includes four entrances to facilitate organized flow, and its membrane structure provides natural ventilation. The only modification was reducing the seating capacity from 450 to 250 allow for social distancing.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: 9 Krymsky Val, Building 32, Moscow 119049, Russia
Location is for general references and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
