A Cinematic Revival: Holly Campbell’s Vision for Cumberland Railway Station
Holly Campbell is a third-year Architecture student at the University of Strathclyde, ready to take her next steps into the professional world. With graduation on the horizon, she seeks a Part I placement to expand her practical experience in architecture, applying the skills honed in her studies. Her academic journey so far has been distinguished by a rigorous exploration of how built environments can weave together functionality, history, and imagination—a theme evident in her latest project: a bold reinterpretation of the disused Cumberland Railway Station in Laurieston.
Where others might see a mere relic of the past, Campbell sees a platform for cultural renewal. By transforming the station into an immersive cinema that pays homage to the golden age of Hollywood, she demonstrates how architecture can act as both storyteller and stage. In her hands, the station transcends its original purpose as a transportation hub, instead facilitating voyages of the mind—effortlessly blurring the boundary between past and present, fiction and reality, in a manner reminiscent of noteworthy architectural feats found in publications such as Building Design and the RIBA Journal.
Breathing New Life into a Forgotten Space
At the heart of Holly’s design is the concept of adaptive reuse. Cumberland Railway Station once thrived as a vital connector in the region, bustling with energy and activity. Over time, however, changing infrastructure needs led to its neglect. In reimagining the station, Holly leverages the building’s original bones while introducing modern elements inspired by classic cinema. The decaying brick walls and cavernous arches, which once echoed with the hustle of train passengers, now become the foundation for a distinctly otherworldly setting.
This thoughtful approach reflects a deep respect for the station’s heritage. Rather than simply superimposing a new purpose over an obsolete structure, Campbell’s plan intimately engages with the site’s unique features. Large, open corridors and lofty ceilings create the perfect canvas for cinematic and artistic installations, while hidden nooks and side rooms become intimate viewing spaces. Throughout, the existing masonry is preserved, thus maintaining a tangible link to the station’s storied past.
A Season of Cinematic Marvels
Holly’s immersive cinema experience is designed around the idea of cinematic escapism—a practice that transforms the venue season by season to reflect the filmography of legendary directors, beginning with David Lynch. From the moment visitors step through the station’s aged iron gates, they are greeted by an air of mystery, a tangible aura that references the ambiance of mid-century Hollywood. The layout guides them from a grand entrance hall (formerly the station’s main foyer) into a series of themed rooms. Each room is carefully curated with Lynch-inspired artworks, symbolic color schemes, and atmospheric lighting that distorts reality just enough to set the stage for a multi-sensory journey.
Films are showcased in a central screening area—once the main platform—where the rumble of departing trains has been replaced by the evocative hum of projectors and the crackle of classic film reels. Meanwhile, a dedicated bar area offers guests the chance to immerse themselves further in the cinematic world: drinks are creatively themed to align with the director’s distinct style, while the décor blurs lines between dreamscape and reality.
Such attention to detail mirrors the tradition of turning built spaces into experiential landscapes, a practice championed by cutting-edge projects often highlighted in journals like Dezeen or the Architecture Journal. From plush red velveteen seats reminiscent of historic theaters to avant-garde installations that hint at the surreal, every corner of the revived station invites visitors to lose themselves, both physically and emotionally, in the magic of film.
Showcasing Architecture’s Narrative Power
Campbell’s proposition goes beyond merely offering a distinctive entertainment destination. She also uses architecture as a narrative device that can spark emotion and community involvement. Her attention to form, materiality, and lighting forms a layering of stories throughout the station. Visitors are guided along a journey that mirrors the structure of a film: tension builds, curiosity grows, and climaxes coincide with key reveals—be it a surprising corridor or a hidden wall projection.
This emotionally charged environment taps into the universal love of storytelling. It capitalizes on the station’s historical importance, recalling tales of arrivals and departures, dramatic welcomes and tearful farewells. In that sense, her project resonates as an architectural testament to memory, nostalgia, and the continuous cycle of transformation that shapes both buildings and the communities they serve.
Stirring Local Culture and Community
An essential aspect of Holly’s design is the potential for cultural engagement within the local area. Formerly a neglected space, Cumberland Railway Station now stands as a conduit for creativity, reintroducing a sense of community pride through the arts. By hosting a dynamic program of rotating film exhibitions, themed events, and interactive art installations, the project welcomes not only cinephiles but also families, students, and curious neighbors eager to see the station’s newest transformation.
The local economy and cultural scene gain a fresh spark: independent artists can showcase their work alongside screenings, local vendors can bring new flavors and crafts to themed pop-up markets, and community members can enjoy a year-round schedule of workshops and cultural happenings. Such synergy ensures that the station’s revitalization becomes a beacon for continued creative expression in Laurieston.
Get in Touch with Holly
Holly Campbell’s reimagining of Cumberland Railway Station clearly demonstrates her ability to balance historical sensitivity with innovative thinking. She is now eager to collaborate with architecture practices that share her enthusiasm for transformative, community-focused design. Individuals or firms looking for a driven Part I student who can seamlessly bridge conceptual creativity and practical execution need look no further.
If you’d like to learn more about Holly’s project or discuss potential opportunities for her placement, she can be reached via:
• LinkedIn – Holly Maxton Campbell
• Instagram – @hollymaxtonarchitecture
• Email – hollymaxtoncampbell@outlook.com
Embarking on a fresh season of immersive cinematic adventures, Holly Campbell’s project reveals the extraordinary potential of architecture to reshape our experience of public spaces—turning them into living, breathing narratives that captivate the imagination.
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