Floating cinema design competition launched

The competition is being run by public art group Up Projects and The Architecture Foundation.

Last year a pilot Floating Cinema project (pictured) was designed by Studio Weave which worked with artist duo Somewhere to screen films on board a barge in East London.

Commissioned by the Legacy List – a charity looking to deliver a cultural and education legacy – the new cinema project is expected to launch to the public in June 2013.

Entrants will respond to an architectural design brief which addresses the 2013 programme theme ‘Extra-ordinary,’ and will also consider ‘delight and playfulness’ but in a robust and serviceable way which can ensure ‘a permanent lifespan on the water’.

Any floating structure which is built will also have to ‘navigate London’s canal system’ the brief states.

The two-stage open competition has specified its invitation is to ‘architects and designers,’ who must express interest by responding to a prequalification questionnaire, due by 4pm on 26 June 2012.

A second stage will see four shortlisted practices asked to prepare a response to the brief, which they will present to a jury and be paid £750 (plus VAT) for.

These four teams will each work with a maritime engineer and/or naval architect who will join the respective interviewed team.

A construction budget is set at £54,000 and the winning team will be paid a fee of £6000 (plus VAT)