Boxoffice-July.01/1950

CARPETING TO SUIT
CLIMATES
AND CUSTOMERS
by
JOHN VASSOS*
W:iTH THE TREMENDOUS sui'gc of remodeling
and redecorating that is going
on in theatres today, a featured item in
TROPICAL LEAF
each project is the carpeting. Although it
is considered by some to play a minor role
in the overall decorative scheme, as a designer,
I consider carpeting the most important
item in the development of a redesigned
interior, particularly a motion
picture theatre.
A theatre, if it is designed to fulfill
esthetic as well as functional requirements
and if it is decorated imaginatively, can
become a place where people go, not just to
watch a picture, but to relax in beautiful
surroundings. Carpeting is an integral part
of those surroundings. It is the basis of the
decor, for it runs throughout the theatre,
which makes its quality and beauty a
matter of the utmost importance. Wall
design may vary from one portion of the
theatre to another but the same pattern
and quality in carpet is usually used
throughout the theatre.
Many of my colleagues wonder why theatre
carpets are so intense in design and
color. I hope they will read this article, for
in my opinion people go to the theatre to
have their spirits lifted and emotional
stress lightened. They are exposed to a
world of make-believe for two or three
hours and in that space of time the theatre
is faced with the problem of obliterating
the humdrum of their daily existence and
creating vicarious adventure and romance.
In the past, architects, designers, and
decorators dipped Into history for Inspiration
and produced theatres in the form of
fabulous palaces, temples, and historic edifices.
We have examples of every known
•Famous Industrial Desioner
16 Th« MODERN THEATRE SECTION