Aligning a Vision with a Digital Twin Before the First Brick

The Lexi Cinema is more than a building. It’s the beating heart of the Kensal Rise community. When RISE Design Studio was asked to extend its legacy, we knew it wouldn’t be just another architectural project. It was about creating a space that worked for everyone - funders, consultants, contractors, and most importantly, the community it serves.

But when a project involves so many moving parts, alignment becomes the biggest challenge. That’s where Virtual Twin Solutions came in.

The Lexi Cinema in Kensal Rise, NW London

Building the Lexi - Virtually First

The design for the Lexi Hub wasn’t just on paper - it lived digitally long before construction began. Using Virtual Twin technology, we created an exact digital replica of the proposed cinema extension. This immersive model became the glue that held everyone together.

Funders could see the tangible outcomes of their contributions. Consultants solved potential clashes before they became problems. Contractors stepped onto the site with absolute clarity. And the Lexi team? They walked through their new space virtually, long before it became a reality.

This was more than design - this was alignment.

Designing in a Lockdown World

Carrying out the technical design during the later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic added an extra layer of complexity. Lockdowns meant that meetings, which would typically take place in-person with plans spread across a table, had to happen over Zoom. And when you’re dealing with something as intricate as a cinema - with 406 cables (CAT6, electric, telecom, fire alarm, Lutron, speaker, and screen cables) to coordinate, a ceiling-suspended climate-controlled projector housing to position, and a highly specific rake of seating to design - communicating every detail effectively became a monumental task.

The technical design phase also had to account for the distribution of an MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) system, Air-to-Air Source Heat Pump, and acoustic panelling for the walls and ceiling - all while ensuring the final design worked harmoniously as both a functional cinema and an inviting community space.

This is where Virtual Twin Solutions and BIMx tools became transformative. With a 2D plan open in BIMx, we could seamlessly switch to a 3D view to dive into specific details. Need to discuss cable distribution? Zoom into the suspended ceiling design. Reviewing acoustic panel placement? Rotate the model and inspect the walls. Rake of seating not quite right? Adjust it and walk through the virtual room to confirm.

What could have been a logistical nightmare over Zoom became a coordinated effort where every stakeholder could see, understand, and contribute in real time.

The Power of the Virtual Twin

The Lexi Cinema wasn’t just built with a Virtual Twin - it lives on with it. Post-completion, the Virtual Twin continues to serve as a powerful tool for the Lexi team. From reviewing maintenance issues to planning future upgrades, the digital replica of the building offers a level of insight that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

The climate-controlled projector housing, the distribution of fresh air through the MVHR system, and the carefully concealed cabling - all can be reviewed within the Twin. This ensures that every element of the design is accessible for adjustments, upgrades, and ongoing care, ensuring the Lexi can continue to serve its community for years to come.

Sally Wilton (Founder of the Lexi Cinema), Alice Lester MBE, Georgia Gould OBE, Councillor Neil Nerva, Cllr. Shama Tatler, CBC London team and RISE Design Studio at the revealing of the Pink Plaque at The Lexi Cinema.

A Space Built for Everyone

The result? A community space that works because it was built with understanding, alignment, and precision. The Lexi Hub doesn’t just reflect the dreams of its stakeholders; it reflects the power of collaboration and technology in achieving a shared vision.

Sometimes, the most powerful part of building isn’t the construction. It’s the ability to bring everyone to the same page - and that’s exactly what Virtual Twin Solutions made possible for the Lexi Cinema.