Eighteen students and recent graduates from Middlesex University’s interiors architecture and design programmes have unveiled creative proposals to reimagine the foyer of the Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley, one of the UK’s oldest cinemas. Working in four teams, they developed designs that celebrate the cinema’s heritage while enhancing its role as a community hub. The proposals are now on display in the cinema foyer, and a winning concept will be selected by the cinema’s trustees by the end of 2026, with the chosen team receiving a £1,000 prize.
Live project with a real client brief
The project gave students the opportunity to work on a genuine client brief and experience the realities of professional practice, according to Michael Westthorp, senior lecturer in interiors at Middlesex University. “They approached the challenge with creativity, commitment and a strong understanding of the cinema’s unique history and community value,” he said.
The teams presented their ideas at the cinema in June, showcasing their designs on the iconic big screen to an audience that included staff, trustees and key people involved in the project. Jason Scoot, senior lecturer in interior architecture, highlighted the value of learning through live projects, where BA graduates and MA postgraduate students collaborate to create meaningful design responses for real public spaces. “Through this unique partnership, students develop professional skills, strengthen their industry readiness, and gain invaluable experience working with live clients and authentic site conditions,” Scoot said.
Designs on display in the foyer
The design proposals are now on display in the cinema foyer, inviting visitors to imagine how the entrance could be transformed. The Phoenix Cinema first opened in 1912 as the East Finchley Picturedrome and has since become a cherished community landmark. It was shortlisted for the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) Cinema of the Year award.
The foyer redesign project is part of ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance the cinema’s historic character while improving the overall visitor experience. Yee Mon Aung, a BA (Hons) interior architecture graduate who took part in the project, said: “Working on the Phoenix Cinema live project was a fantastic way to bring everything I learned at Middlesex University into a real-world setting. Our team’s concept, Before the Lights Dim, explored how cinema spaces can enrich the experience before and after a film, drawing on the venue’s unique history and character.”
Focus on creative, sustainable design
Middlesex University’s interiors programmes focus on creative, sustainable, and human-centred design for a wide range of environments. Graduates have gone on to careers in interior architecture, interior design, exhibition and museum design, retail and hospitality environments, and workplace design. The Phoenix Cinema project is a prime example of how such programmes prepare students for professional practice while contributing to the local community.
