Plaza

Although the word plaza derives from plaza a Spanish word related to "field" which describes an open urban public space, such as a city square (or "piazza"), it has been quite popular as the name for hotels and venues, such as theatres and cinemas (sometimes fancifully "kinemas"). Also in South Africa.

The Plaza, Bloemfontein

An art deco cinema seating ***, designed by** for ** and completed in 19**. **** Demolished in 19**

The Plaza Kinema Johannesburg

Also referred to as The Plaza Theatre by Percy Tucker for example, it was an art deco cinema seating 816 people, designed by the firms Kallenbach, Kennedy and Furner and Greatbach and Timlin for Kinemas Limited, completed 1928 and (accordint to Tucker) and opened in 1931. It has since been demolished.

ACT brought out Sir Edmund Hillary to give lectures at the Plaza in 1955.

Sources

http://www.artefacts.co.za/main/Buildings/bldgframes.php?bldgid=1605

Haig Beck(Editor). 1985. UIA International Architect : Southern Africa (Issue 8). London: International Architect. p. 58.

L. Cumming-George. 1933. Architecture in South Africa - Volume One. Cape Town: The Speciality Press of S.A. Ltd.. pp. 45-46.

Percy Tucker, 1997

Plaza Kinema, Cape Town

Architect: KALLENBACH, KENNEDY and FURNER Architect : WALGATE and ELSWORTH Date: 1934 Type: Cinema Status: Demolished Street: St Georges/Waterkant Sts

Sources

http://artefacts.co.za/main/Buildings/bldgframes_mob.php?bldgid=1600

Cumming-George, L. 1934. Architecture in South Africa - Volume Two. Cape Town: The Speciality Press of S.A. Ltd.. pg 76

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