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In large public buildings, fire safety equipment is a mandatory requirement. For architects, designers and project managers, the challenge lies not in compliance alone, but in integration. At Kinopolis Hamburg, located in the Westfield Hamburg Überseequartier, fire extinguisher protection has been treated as a design component rather than a technical afterthought, thanks to the integration of Designfeu’s Soprano fire extinguisher cabinets.
An Architectural Context Designed for Flow and Intensity
The Westfield Hamburg Überseequartier is a large‑scale mixed‑use development designed by the international architecture firm Chapman Taylor. The project combines retail, leisure, culture and hospitality in an environment defined by high visitor numbers, complex circulation paths and extended opening hours.
Scroll horizontally to explore different finishes and architectural integrations.
Within this context, Kinopolis Hamburg plays a key role as a major cinema complex. Such venues impose specific constraints on prescribers: constant foot traffic, low‑light environments, strict safety regulations and strong expectations in terms of architectural quality. Every visible technical element must therefore be durable, intuitive and visually coherent.
Fire Extinguisher Integration in High‑Traffic Public Spaces
From a prescriber’s perspective, exposed fire extinguishers present several recurring issues in public buildings. They are vulnerable to shocks, vandalism and unauthorised handling, which can compromise their operational reliability. They can also disrupt carefully designed interiors, particularly in spaces where materials, lighting and colour palettes are part of the architectural narrative.
In cinemas, these issues are amplified by crowd density and reduced visibility. Fire safety equipment must remain instantly identifiable while being protected against misuse and damage.
Soprano Fire Extinguisher Cabinet: A Technical Answer to Design Constraints
The Soprano fire extinguisher cabinet by Designfeu has been developed specifically for environments where safety, protection and design must coexist. Its steel construction provides effective protection against voluntary and unintentional damage, ensuring that extinguishers remain functional over time.
For prescribers, this translates into reduced maintenance, increased equipment lifespan and improved reliability during safety inspections. The cabinet protects the extinguisher without obstructing access, thanks to a lift‑and‑set opening system that allows rapid intervention in emergency situations.
Optimised Visibility and Regulatory Compliance
Visibility is a critical factor in fire safety design. Soprano integrates standardised fire extinguisher pictograms through laser‑cut openings on multiple sides of the cabinet. These cut‑outs are combined with photoluminescent materials, ensuring legibility in low‑light conditions such as cinema corridors and auditoriums.
It is important to note that the cabinet complements, rather than replaces, mandatory wall signage. This approach aligns with regulatory requirements while offering an additional layer of visual guidance for users.
Colour Customisation for Architectural Consistency
At Kinopolis Hamburg, Soprano cabinets are specified in several finishes including black, mouse grey, light grey and gold. This chromatic flexibility is a decisive advantage for architects and interior designers, allowing fire safety equipment to align with material choices and spatial hierarchies.
In circulation areas, darker tones allow the cabinet to blend discreetly into the background. In transition zones or key access points, lighter or contrasting finishes can be used to subtly reinforce visibility without introducing visual noise.
Installation Flexibility for Complex Projects
From a technical standpoint, Soprano offers multiple installation options suited to complex public projects. The cabinet can be floor‑mounted with rubber feet for protection against moisture and aggressive cleaning products, or anchored to the ground to prevent theft and unauthorised movement.
Wall‑mounted configurations are also possible, with clear recommendations regarding fixing points to account for the combined weight of the cabinet and extinguisher. Optional accessories such as rear masking panels or corner wall brackets allow the cabinet to be installed in front of glass surfaces or within constrained architectural layouts.
A Prescriber‑Focused Approach to Fire Safety Design
The integration of Soprano fire extinguisher cabinets at Kinopolis Hamburg illustrates a mature approach to fire safety specification. Rather than accepting visual compromise, the project demonstrates how safety equipment can be protected, compliant and architecturally coherent.
For architects, specifiers and operators of high‑traffic public buildings, Designfeu’s Soprano offers a reliable solution that meets regulatory demands while respecting the integrity of the design concept.
At Kinopolis Hamburg, fire safety speaks the same language as architecture: clear, durable and intentionally designed.
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