Archlight Cinema

Located beneath the railway arches at Battersea Power Station, the Archlight Cinema forms part of a major regeneration project within a Grade II* listed structure. The entrances sit within ageing Victorian brick arches, creating a highly constrained and technically sensitive environment.

The challenge was to design a canopy solution that could integrate with the irregular geometry of the arches while meeting strict constraints imposed by Network Rail. The system needed to be demountable at short notice, minimise impact on the existing structure and provide a visually distinctive frontage that reflected the boutique nature of the cinema.

Programme was also critical. The venue was ready to open, but without a completed entrance solution, placing pressure on delivery timescales.

We designed, manufactured and installed three primary fabric canopies alongside two infill structures, creating a cohesive entrance system across the series of arches.

Multiple design iterations were developed to resolve the challenge of connecting the tensile structures to the historic brickwork, balancing structural performance with minimal intervention. The final solution provided a robust yet adaptable fixing strategy, allowing the canopies to be installed securely while remaining demountable.

The fabric canopies follow the curved geometry of the arches, reinforcing the architectural rhythm of the space while introducing a contemporary layer to the façade. Despite the constraints, the system delivers a clean, unified appearance across each entrance, enhancing visibility and identity for the venue.

The completed canopy scheme provides a strong visual presence for Archlight Cinema, clearly defining its entrances within the wider Battersea Power Station development. The structures create a welcoming threshold for visitors while offering practical shelter in a high-traffic urban environment.

By working with the existing architecture rather than against it, the project demonstrates how tensile solutions can unlock challenging spaces, introducing new functionality without compromising heritage. Delivered within a tight programme, the result is a refined, high-impact intervention that supports both the commercial success of the venue and the ongoing regeneration of one of London’s most iconic sites.