Immersive Cinema Architecture: La Géode Cinema by Loci Anima

La Géode Cinema in Paris, a landmark of immersive cinema architecture, has undergone a transformative renovation led by Loci Anima under Françoise Raynaud’s direction. Nestled within the 19th arrondissement’s Parc de la Villette, this 3000 m² architectural marvel now offers an unparalleled multisensory cinematic experience, redefining how architecture and entertainment intersect.

A New Era for La Géode Cinema

Originally designed by Adrien Fainsilber in 1985, La Géode is renowned for its hemispherical form and iconic IMAX screen. The latest renovation, completed in December 2024, elevates the entire building into an immersive experience that begins even before entry. The new dichroic façade, resembling contemporary stained glass, bathes the structure in flowing natural light, blending transparency and color into a monolithic yet playful composition. This approach turns the building into an architectural spectacle, celebrating cinema both inside and out.

Architecture as Multisensory Experience

Loci Anima’s design invites visitors on a journey of sight, sound, and taste. From the moment one steps into the confectionery area, the architectural experience merges with sensory delight, transporting visitors into a dreamlike world. The circular space beyond is animated by dynamic light and shadows, evoking a sense of wonder and discovery.

Celebrating Brutalist Heritage

The renovation honors La Géode’s brutalist roots, centered on its inverted mushroom-shaped concrete core, supported by a mere 4 m² pillar. The careful addition of platforms to accommodate a new IMAX projector and a filled pit respects this delicate structural balance, enhancing rather than overpowering the original design. In stripping away conventional cinema elements, Loci Anima has elevated La Géode into a “concrete cathedral,” where the architectural show begins long before the movie starts.

A Fully Immersive Cinematic Journey

A 360° projected image envelopes visitors as they explore the space, blurring the lines between built form and virtual imagery. Two panoramic elevators and an 11-meter floating staircase provide breathtaking vertical movement through the building, culminating at the new auditorium. Here, visitors can closely observe the geodesic sphere, an experience not for the faint-hearted.

Inside, a 1,000 m² hemispherical screen pairs with a cutting-edge 4K laser projector and an IMAX 6.0 sound system, creating one of the most advanced cinematic environments in the world. Seating capacity has been reduced from 400 to 286, with custom-designed seats offering six reclining positions, ensuring optimal comfort and viewing. Before the main screening even begins, guests embark on a virtual exploration of Parc de la Villette, as the dome itself transforms into a digital window to the outside world.

A Perfect Symbiosis of Structure and Technology

La Géode Cinema’s renovation exemplifies the best of immersive cinema architecture, where structural materials, video mapping, and spatialized sound converge to create an unforgettable experience. This project sets a new standard for cinema design, merging brutalist heritage with cutting-edge innovation, and offering visitors a journey that extends beyond the screen and deep into the heart of architectural wonder.

All the photographs are works of Adrien Daste & Loci Anima