Rising above its adjacent retail counterparts sits a new theater landmark with remarkable exterior composition and visitor experience. The state-of-the-art Paragon Theaters in Wellington, South Florida provides a new spark of energy and intrigue within the existing Wellington Green Mall, a premier year-round shopping destination for Palm Beach County. The redevelopment includes a 10-screen movie theater, lounge, and two new restaurants. Freeing itself from the typical mall paradigm of inwardly focused design, this project has set the framework for a clear entertainment destination that can draw people in with its unique architecture and amenities.
The audacious renovation has cleverly transformed what was perceived as the service end of the building into a bright new welcoming entry. An existing loading zone, trash enclosure, and transformer yard have been reconfigured and concealed utilizing new architectural elements that initiate an intuitive wayfinding journey. To provide optimized sightlines and acoustics, the existing roof was raised fifteen feet above its existing position. Using patented technology and techniques by Roof Lifters, this engineering feat created an overall volume that provides theatergoers with an exceptional movie experience. To help break down the scale of this redefined façade and create an identity for the tenants, the exterior was enveloped in fiber cement panels reflecting the clay tile hues experienced at the adjoining mall and surrounding area. The panels are applied at varying angles to create texture and rhythmic shadow lines that help define the contiguous spaces, as well as integrate the vertical marquee signage.
Upon entry of either the street or mall concourse lobbies, patrons are greeted with an array of linear LED lights guiding them to the concessions and box office areas. Through the use of color and material, the interiors are activated to define the various functions, lounge areas, ticketing, and restaurant entries. All ten theater auditoriums have a distinct color that is associated with them, providing a playful interaction with movie-goers as they navigate from color-coded walls and floor patterns that lead them to their movie experience.
Through unique architecture, rhythmic forms, and color, JGMA has provided a theatrical journey that sets the stage for an unparalleled cinematic visit.