This page is referenced by:

• 1 2019-11-27T21:48:52-08:00 Intimacy and Nostalgia 2 Simran S. plain 2019-11-28T14:15:15-08:00 In relation between the user of a space and the space itself, a bond is fabricated when the user experiences a space for the first time. This intimate relationship creates a positive mental attitude and creates a better, more welcoming understanding of the space. The theatre is described to be “atmospheric” which mimics the outside. Eberson had taken inspiration from the Mayfair’s American counterparts in Florida, which also depicted the Spanish Revival Style in their theatres. The Tampa Theatre, as stated in “Dream Palaces: The Motion Picture Playhouse in the Sunshine State,” was one of the theatres that inspired Eberson to form the atmospheric theatre. It draws many similarities to the Mayfair Theatre in terms of scale and style, except the Tampa Theatre is open-air whereas the Mayfair Theatre is separated from the exterior (see Figure 2). Aspects that appealed to Eberson included tropical plant life and villas, along with a twinkling, starry sky (Kinerk & Wilhelm, 1998, pg. 8). These elements are reminiscent of Classic Hollywood which many users would be aware of with the emergence of these entertainment spaces. The atmospheric characteristics evoke a happy, lighter and magical new world which transports the user from their daily, unchanging lives to somewhere ‘better’. It makes the user nostalgic for happier, simpler, more comfortable times.
  
  Another feature which heightens the comfort and social aspect of the theatre is the provision of concession snacks (See Figure 3). In Cromley’s “All Spaces are Potential Food Spaces,” chapter, it discussed the idea that food heightened the social aspect of a gathering, which is why it is common practice to provide food at a meeting or event. Reconciliation and intimacy were seen between parties when they sat and ate together in a closed space such as the kitchen (Cromley, 2010, pg. 235). With the couches and the inclusion of classic movie snacks, a cinema-goer feels at home when watching a film.
  
  The Mayfair theatre, like in the kitchens in the Cromley reading, is a food space that is open to different ethnic backgrounds. People from all over and from different backgrounds come to this space to forget their troubles. It shows that the pursuit of happiness is a universal notion and is strengthened by the inclusion of movie staples. The bringing together of people from a sense of comfort and nostalgia is a common theme that runs in the cinema-goers of today.
  
  Simple feelings of intimacy and nostalgia can arise from the pleasure of eating a favourite snack and sitting comfortably in the plush seating. Even if the user is alone these emotions are positively reinforced by the homely aspects of the theatre. The strong presence of these homely features can be a great distraction for any troubles that are occurring in a user’s life which might have been relevant to the users at this particular point in history.