Rudi F Scheidt School of Music Study

Designel is once again working closely with the University of Memphis on the design of a significant performing arts facility the Rudi F Scheidt School of Music. Located at the juncture of the main vehicular thoroughfare thru campus and a new pedestrian spine developed to link the historic southern portion of the campus with a large expansion to the north the projects siting and function offer the university and Memphis community the ultimate “town and gown” experience. The major performance venue is a 1050 seat single balcony, acoustically flexible multi-purpose hall suitable for a wide range of performances. The Schools major rehearsal spaces as well as several dozen teaching studios, practice rooms and offices are arranged along a three storey daylight filled spine that strategically locates numerous student lounges and other collaborative spaces to foster interaction between students, faculty and administration.

The project includes a large glass covered lobby that presents a welcoming face to the university and community at large. Covered vehicular drop-offs and extensive nearby parking link to both the lobby and spine insuring a positive, convenient experience for students and the public alike.

seminole theatre

The Seminole Theatre in downtown Homestead was originally built in 1921 and served as the area’s premier entertainment venue for years. Ravaged by fire it was rebuilt in the Art Deco style in 1940 and in 1993 suffered significant roof and other damage from Hurricane Andrew. In the late 1990’s the original wooden roof structure was replace with a steel and concrete assembly and a series of subsequent additions including a stage tower shell prepared the way for it to present not only movies but a wide variety of live music, dance and theatrical performances. Stalled by the downturn in the economy the project languished with the additions structure only in place and the lobby / auditorium largely unchanged until designel was recently retained to analyze the projects previous direction, redesign as practical within the confines of the original / additions envelope and insure it’s operational functionality. We have reorganized the planning to radically increase the amount of programmable income producing (function, education) areas. The redesigned ground level lobby also now provides for 2,414 contiguous square feet of area where the previous design split the space into small virtually unusable pockets of area. Other improvements include widening the proscenium from 24’ to 35’ to enable a broader range of productions and rethinking the whole approach to the mechanical system design eliminating an entire level of mechanical area in one of the additions converting that area to function/ education space with fantastic views out over the City’s main downtown park / main boulevard.

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long center for the performing arts

The Long Center for the Performing Arts project entailed creating a new home for the areas major performing arts organizations and providing a showcase for over 200 small and minority companies from the Lester E. Palmer Auditorium, a flat floor multi-purpose space with a balcony suspended from the domed roof structure. This involved extensive demolition of the existing structure including walls floors and roofs, leaving only major structural elements, the stage tower walls, side stage areas, and a large concrete ring beam which supported the original dome.
A new two balcony, 2,400-seat multi-purpose auditorium structure was introduced into the center of the fooprint and connected to the stage opening, which had been lowered for a larger proscenium. The height of the stage house was also raised to provide greater ability to fly scenery andaccommodate a new gridiron, and the lower limits were expanded upstage to provide a rear stage extension. In addition, a 240 seat flexible studio theater was introduced into the side of the lower volume. This space was strategically located to work with the remaining structural columns and beams to be removed to accommodate this taller volumes with catwalks. All lobbies, public and production support spaces and mechanical equipment rooms have been provided by reusing the existing structure, and a large outdoor public terrace provides framed views of the downtown skyline through the columns supporting the concrete ring beam. Over 80% of the demolition materials were reused and integrated into the new design.

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fox cities performing arts center

We were commissioned to design the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, where our scope included every aspect of the project from programming, through design and production drawings, to construction administration; all without a local associate. The building was programmed to accommodate several dozen local performing arts groups, as well as touring Broadway shows, symphonies and other activities. The venues in the center include a 2,070-seat, three balcony multipurpose hall, a 450-seat flexible community theater, a donor lounge which can be transformed into a private meeting space for up to 75 persons, and a spacious lobby used to support all venues and can serve as a banquet space for up to 500 persons. These spaces are all connected by complete back of house service and support spaces and an administrative office and box office suite to accommodate all of the Center’s personnel.
The main facade along the City’s main street includes a 2-story brick colonnade which relates in material and scale to the existing urban fabric and provides shading along the south facing facade, which is fully glazed offering views of the excitement within the center. A large zinc and glass covered circular element at the corner identifies the main entrance while serving as the main gathering space in the lobby. A centrally located vertical element serving all public, technical and service levels is glazed and illuminated to provide a glowing lantern which marks the facility as you approach from all directions. The project was complete under an extraordinarily fast-tracked schedule with programming beginning in February of 2000, and the first production, grand opening centennial celebration for a generous corporate donor occurring a mere 33 months later.

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maltz jupiter theatre

The tremendous success the Maltz Jupiter Theatre has achieved wherein they are selling out 97% of their 540 seats in less than 10 years since they were founded led to the decision to improve and expand their facilities in order to grow as a cultural institution and better serve Jupiter, Florida and the region.
As a result of a competition with several other invited architectural firms wherein we each proposed ideas to satisfy the Maltz short and long term needs designel was selected to design the improvements. Short term goals include creating 60 additional, spacious VIP seats in four intimate seating zones, a new upper lobby / lounge area complete with catering kitchen and dedicated concessions and restrooms and a vastly improved main lobby/ front-of –house area with enlarged lobby/ concessions, relocated and expanded restrooms, an expanded “Imagination” or private function/ meeting room and a new concierge style box-office/ service area. Offices areas are increased and reorganized for greater efficiency.
A careful analysis of the existing facility and overall site led to a design that enables the first phase construction to occur in a condensed timeframe between seasons and a long term build-out that includes a new 150 seat flexible theatre space, enlarged stagetower, and new rehearsal areas to occur that take advantage of the Phase 1 front of house improvements.
Thru measures like inserting the new and relocated restrooms into previously covered yet open outdoor area, modest additions to the east including a glass elevator and expanded general lobby area with large glazed areas facing heavily trafficked A1A the Maltz now for a relatively modest cost, has the exposure and amenities to further it’s mission to ” entertain, educate and inspire (it’s ) community.”

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port of palm beach

The Port was seeking to radically increase and improve its passenger cruise business and provide a new office spaces for the District and its maritime operations tenants, and stated the desire to have a landmark facility to herald its new era. The building is situated to respond to the lines of the bulkheads of the harbor and a new angled berthing slip at the waters edge, and the roadway leading visitors to facility to create a dramatic architectural response for this multipurpose complex. The distinct functions of terminal and office building collide at a hinge element which alludes to the smokestack of a cruise liner and provides a strong identifying vertical element to the project and serves as a organizational pivot at the interface of the two components. This underlying nautical theme is also apparent where two arcs, which create the end to the terminal converge and create the imagery of a ships hull, and the use of metal panels used to clad a large part of the building’s envelope. Large glazed openings also provide great opportunities for views out to the beautiful waterfront.
The terminal provides both public and sterile environments on two levels to accommodate ships at either of two docks. A main lobby at the upper level provides ticketing stations and waiting lounges which can be divided to separate cruise passengers waiting to board their ships. In addition to the Port of Palm Beach administrative offices and Commission chambers, the six storey office component provides tenant space for several cruise companies, U.S. Immigrations, U.S. Customs, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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university of florida veterinary education & clinical research center

This expansion to the College of Veterinary Medicine Small Animal Hospital was an excellent opportunity to provide a new landmark and to relieve deficiencies, increase caseload, and create a healthier environment for patients and clinicians. A large outdoor plaza in front of the building and a 250 feet long, three story lobby stretches toward the main boulevard that dissects the University of Florida’s Health Center to provide visibility to the Vet School and serves as a gateway to the University. The lobby, which serves as a reception and waiting room, is flooded with daylight and leads to all public space and connects you to the entrance to the existing facilities: a monumental stair weaves through the space to create a series of informal meeting spaces to encourage opportunities for exchange between faculty and students.
We worked with the nations leading experts to program and plan the new state-of-the-art tertiary care clinical education and research facility that incorporates a learning commons to support faculty, students and interns from throughout the college. The new building connects to existing facilities within the original building at the ground floor, and includes examination rooms, several wards, a linear accelerator suite, and provides a separate, around-the-clock emergency room entrance. The entire second floor is a surgical suite with 12 operating rooms, a full anesthesia room and a catheterization laboratory. Faculty and staff offices, meeting and work rooms, lounges, classrooms and a seminar room make up the upper floor. All spaces throughout the building capitalize on natural daylight to improve the interior environment for the occupants who spend countless hours in the facilities, by helping them stay connected to the outdoor conditions. This building has earned a LEED Gold Certification from the U. S. Green Building Council.

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steinbrenner band building

The University of Florida School of Music and band program had outgrown their obsolete facilities in a building with many problems, including inefficient use of space and poor acoustics and sound control between all rooms. The building, is located on a prominent site, across from Century Tower, at the heart of the campus, was built in 1971 and is considered a significant structure of its time, and in the development of the campus. Our work started with developing a master plan to renovate the existing building and provide additions to accommodate 120,000 sq. ft. of space for the Music department, including a new practice room for the University’s band programs, which includes the 300 member marching band.
The new 17,000 sq. ft. band building is a free-standing structure constructed on a parcel to the south and away from the existing building to maintain existing campus pedestrian paths and to allow this and future phases of development to occur without disrupting the functional operations of the facilities or the music program. The design takes advantage of the sites 14 foot grade change and locates the thirty foot tall, 5,600 sq. ft. band rehearsal room at the lower street level. This large volume is partially enveloped with two levels of program, including offices, music library, instrument and uniform storage, mechanical areas and small lobby spaces at both levels to provide easy access to the building as well as to accommodate future connections. All occupied spaces in the building provide opportunities for daylighting or views and unoccupied rooms are provided below grade to help maintain historic paths. The project has achieved LEED Gold certification and the building has been added to the county’s inventory for hurricane shelters.

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spotos oakwood grill

Responding to the Owner’s request to design an upscale, formal restaurant reminiscent of a proper English establishment, the design allows for the formal bar and its seating to be the focal point at the entrance. With a piano bar just to the right of the host stand, and additional bar seating nearby, the ambiance greeting the arriving patron is of conviviality amidst the gracious ambiance. The bar has a rich red oak woodwork finished in a dark walnut finish, with multiple layers of trim, paneling and granite, juxtaposed with brass and spirits bottles reflected in the mirrors. The wood floor is punctuated with stone wear surfaces where patrons’ liveliness and scuffling require a more durable surface.
The main dining area is carpeted with rich broadloom, the ceilings hung with sound absorbent fabric-covered panels, and the walls are covered with red oak paneling up to the picture rail with artwork strategically located. The dining room is separated from the display kitchen by arched openings faced with stone, so that the wood fired grill and oven will be at a respectful distance from the patrons seated nearby. With the thick stone arches providing this visual as well as emotional buffer to the swift-paced culinary experience, the ambiance of the dining room is formal yet contemporary in its sounds, sights, and smells.

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santa fe college fine arts hall

After struggling with inadequate, undersized and technologically outdated facilities for decades, the college secured funding for the design of a new state-of-the-art multipurpose performance hall and a 2400 sq. ft. multipurpose room for the theater, music and dance programs. The site for the project is located along the main gateway to the campus and adjacent to a natural “bowl” which is an outdoor gathering place as well as an exhibit of various rock samples from around the globe. The design of the new facility orients the lobby to capitalize on views into the space as you approach and out to the green space through large windows at both ends, and leads you to each of the venues.
The 632 seat hall includes a parterre level and side boxes at the ground floor to define various seating opportunities at the lower level, and a balcony with wrap-around box seats to provide a greater sense of intimacy. This layout, together with controlled lighting strategies allow adjustments to transform the space for a variety of audience capacities. The multipurpose space is used for classes, performances and special events on campus such as banquets and receptions.. Its location allows for direct connection to the lobby and back of house, and a series of large glazed openings provide excellent views to the “rock garden.” An outdoor covered area ties into a covered drop-off and helps to foster a connection to the building’s natural setting.

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marshman residence

The existing two story residence was built in 1937 and has a footprint of approximately 2,850 sq. ft. While much of the plan at both levels remained in its original “formal” layout with spacious rooms, the home did not meet the current day needs for this modern family. The lack of an “informal” family-room, no space to accommodate overnight guests, only a small powder room tucked under the main stair at the ground floor, and barely enough room for one car in the garage, not to mention the lack of storage space were the problems to solve.
After investigating numerous options the decision was made to introduce a new two story addition with maid’s quarters, a new laundry room, and a three car garage with plenty of additional storage space at the first floor, and a two bedroom guest suite with a kitchenette and living quarters at the second floor. Together with a small addition, this move delivered over 600 sq. ft in the main structure for a new family room with game tables and a full bathroom for guests which also serves as a cabana for the pool area.
The design of the additions, including the introduction of new fenestration to capitalize on daylight and views was sensitive to the original architecture and unanimously approved by the Historic Preservation Board of West Palm Beach.

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water glades condominium clubhouse

designel has been involved with numerous projects on the Water Glades Condominium “Campus”, originally designed by the world renowned architect Edward Durell Stone and completed in 1971 for the past several years. Projects include lobby renovations involving replacing original storefront with hurricane resistant curtain wall systems and providing new finishes and ADA restrooms, creating a gym at one of the towers bases and designing new offices for the Property Owners Association which were inserted below the tennis courts in one of the covered parking decks.
The latest project for Water Glades is creating an entirely new clubhouse at the pool deck / parking structure for the community. This 2,600 sf structure sits 20″ higher than the former clubhouse. We’ve removed the tall planters that previously lined the ocean side of the deck and strategically located the new 1400 sf multipurpose room and bar to take advantage of extensive, operable glazed openings affording the new clubhouse commanding views of both the ocean and the intercoastal waterway. The architectural layout of the new facility respects the original landmark design as well as the original structural framework. In elevating the new building / adjacent deck area we were able to create a combined concrete / expandable polystyrene framework in the interstitial space created that is an economical and lightweight vertical extension of the original parking deck structure.

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the scripps research institute

Having outgrown it’s California Campus, the Scripps Research Institute, one of the largest independent non-profit biomedical research institutes in the world sought to establish a new east coast campus. Major components of the campus include three research departments in 320,000 s.f. of area; Biomedical Research, Advanced Technologies & Drug Discovery. The remaining 44,000 square feet houses all administrative and public support functions include the cafeteria, classrooms, exercise room, a 250 seat lecture auditorium, a 50 person boardroom, a library and a donors lounge with warming kitchen.
Our team was selected from a field of 23 major national and internationally renowned design teams. ZPI worked closely with Florida Atlantic University on the siting of the Scripps Complex insuring that the two entities coexist in a manner which positively supports both of their missions. The central Scripps building in fact, serves as a terminus to a formal axial quad created in FAU’s masterplan and its soaring tower element signifies its importance and creates the visible landmark desired by both Scripps and FAU. The three buildings are positioned around a reflecting pond and outdoor deck / function plaza which links the pond to the central structure.

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cohen pavilion at the kravis center for the performing arts

The Cohen Pavilion is a major expansion to the Kravis Center that replaces the original Cohen Pavilion, a 300 sq. ft. banquet hall and 90-seat restaurant in a one story structure. The new facility is a mutli-story building that includes 2 underground parking levels for 115 cars, a 700 seat community banquet hall divisible into 6 rooms, full-service catering kitchen, pre-function hall and support areas an the ground floor; at the second floor there is a 30,000 sq. ft. educational zone with a large rehearsal hall, dance studio, rehearsal / practice rooms, a recording studio, and various classrooms, and administrative offices at the third floor.
Over the years, each project we have completed at the Kravis Center is designed to be self supporting and maintains an identity of it’s own yet is complementary to the original aesthetic. Large expanses of glazing into its lobby and pre-function areas as well as its use of timeless materials such as copper roofing, stone band cladding, stainless steel, brass and venetian plaster, maintain a consistent vocabulary of complementary forms and details that proudly announces and, in fact, advertise its important cultural and civic mission.

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st. thomas aquinas performing arts facilities

We were initially hired to assist with identifying the types of arts facilities which would best serve the school’s theatre, music, and dance departments, as well as the type of general performance / assembly functions for both the school and the community, and proceeded to design the new complex. Extensive interviews with faculty, administration, student representatives, and members of the community resulted in the plan to move forward with a 300 seat flexible theatre and a separate yet linked 2,400 sq. ft. divisible studio building.
The result is a building that embraces and celebrates the public realm from Davie Boulevard and has an equally strong connection to the rest of the high school. The lobby is a classic “stage” itself with a light stair gracefully sweeping down and inviting one up to the multipurpose Oval Room. The flexible and beautiful oval space has a commanding view of its surroundings and can serve as a lecture hall, banquet room and Founders Lounge. While the South facade beckons the community, the North facade invites school activities with a covered drop-off, protected student gathering spaces and a two story glass enclosed green room that inspires students and performers and serves as a beacon to the campus and surrounding community.

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rose theater / student activity center

Due to a positive professional relationship with the University of Memphis and the State of Tennessee Board of Regents on a study for the University’s Performing Arts Center, we were invited to provide a conceptual design for a Student Activity Center on the same campus, which led to working with a local architectural firm which had already been hired to design the project.
The facility includes a 1,000-seat auditorium, to be used primarily for music, cinema, comedy shows and lectures with minimal accommodations for live theater, a multipurpose space which is contiguous to the lobby, yet separated by an operable wall, and limited support spaces We analyzed the existing contours of the site and provided a scheme which responds to existing conditions for access at all entrances while achieving excellent sightlines in the auditorium. Covered entrances are provided at both ends of an extensive curved glass lobby facade which faces a major campus open space to provide excellent visibility and access to the building. The east entrance connects to the field house and parking immediately behind the building by way of a new covered brick colonnade which provides scale and definition to an otherwise simple elevation.

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riverside theatre

The theater originated in 1973 as the home for the Vero Beach Theatre Guild with limited accommodation for both performers and patrons. Over the years, the Riverside Theatre was formed and became the new occupants, and several backstage additions followed. It was 25years later that the Board committed to improving the public spaces to enhance the overall theater-going experience with a new air conditioned lobby which leads you directly into the auditorium, plenty of restroom facilities which are conveniently located, an audience chamber with improved sightlines and acoustics, and the addition of a new 185 seat flexible studio theater which is used for anything form contemporary theater to dinner parties.
The original 608-seat auditorium was dismal, and acoustically inadequate which suffered from a poor performer-to-audience relationship. An entirely new audience chamber replaces the former continental seating arrangement with a sloped 500-seat bowl with aisles to access the seating and a 200-seat balcony with wrap-around side boxes to bring the audience closer to the stage. These boxes create ledges, that together with new ceiling articulation help to diffuse sound and provide a richer acoustic environment. A new 5,500 sq. ft. lobby is designed where it may connect with the flexible studio through a large acoustically rated opening to provide banquet space for up to 600 persons, the only space of its kind in the area. The lobby connects all public spaces on both levels, including the new founders room, and provides a connection to the main lobby floor through a series of overlooks. The dramatic form of the addition and glazed openings provide an identity and connection to the surrounding park and community.

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rinker playhouse at the kravis center for performing arts

This space remained a shelled volume at the time the original Kravis Center for the Performing Arts opened it doors, with only walls and a roof structure to provide the enclosure. Immediately following the opening, we designed a 5,000 sq. ft. versatile, flat floor multipurpose room to used primarily for general audience programming as a 230-seat theatre, featuring local based and touring artists as well as children’s productions. The space is also converted for special events including parties, conferences, workshops and rehearsals.

We’ve created a very flexible space, able to accommodate a variety of performance types in several types of seating arrangements which include theater-in-the-round, cabaret at tables for very intimate settings, and a traditional proscenium configuration with telescopic seating risers. A control room with technical ledge and rigging equipment occupy the upper limits of the tall volume. The room shares a loading dock with the main stage which is immediately adjacent to the loading doors to provide economical and efficient set-up and transfer of scenery for rehearsals. Otherwise the venue has been designed as an entirely independent performance venue with its own lobby, box office, dressing rooms and public spaces.

prince theatre

This art deco theater was built opposite the embankment that protects main street and the quiet downtown from Lake Okeechobee in 1940, and presented both first-run movies and live perfomances for about 25 years until it closed in the mid-1960s. The building stood vacant for 12 years, and despite a series of attemps to revive the venue as a cultural asset for the community, lack of maintenance, periods of abandonment, and recent hurricanes took their toll on this former landmark.

The civic leaders supported one last attempt to revitalize the 70 year old structure when we were hired to investigate possibilties and look at the feasibilty of renovating the space as a community performance and activity space. Initial investigations started with re-creating a new fixed seating venue, and evolved into the proposal of a versatile flat-floor multi-purpose venue with a small balcony which could be used by several community groups. Given the lack of venues for any type of functions in the immediate area, the city concurred that this arrangement which utilizes a telescoping seating riser for theater, movie, films, lectures, etc. and a clear flat floor for banquets, meetings, receptions etc. which would best serve the community’s needs. The proposed venue could accommodate a maximum of 250 persons when used for presentations with a control room at the upper level and the remaining footprint accommodates minimal public and back of house support space.

palm beach financial center

A new 27 story mixed-use project is proposed for the most prominent gateway site into downtown West Palm Beach, and includes a 220 room hotel, 80,000 sq. ft. of office area, ground floor retail and 5 levels of parking. The curving and angular aerodynamic stepping forms visually and literally in the case of the occasional South Florida hurricane, slice thru the sky culminating in a distinct tower element. An urban plaza reinforces the structures design and directs views both to and from the Centers prominent neighbors – Cityplace and the County Convention Center. Rather than merely sit the tower atop a podium of parking we have extended the structures razor like form to the ground at the Northwest corner visually and functionally anchoring it to the site. The wedge shaped entrance canopy extends to the south of this form and creates a “monumental entrance” and a dramatic interior lobby soaring to a height of 65 feet, with a casual restaurant that spills out onto the urban plaza creating year round indoor / outdoor activity.

The roof deck above the parking serves as the amenity level complete with pools, spa, restaurants and glass walled meeting /banquet functions for the hotel and public. Floors 8 thru 16 house the hotel, each floor including unique common area “sky lounges”. The office floors above, step back from the hotel tower creating a large outdoor terrace with City and water views. The location of palm trees reinforce the strong, diagonal axis to the entrance and the parking structure is itself covered with a beautiful combination of trellis work, vines and planting to create a green textured plane offsetting the sleek wedge shaped glass entrance canopy atrium

ocala city auditorium

The City Auditorium in Tuscawilla Park was originally constructed in 1939 served as the community’s primary assembly venue for more than 50 years hosting events ranging from high school proms to weddings to trade shows to concert, including an appearance by Elvis Presley. Competition from the developing hotel industry with rising user group expectations and budget cuts forced the venue to fall into disuse and decay.

We led an effort which involved a series of workshops to investigate multiple options to rehabilitate the structure and once again become a vital asset to the community. Many of the deep rooted citizens of Ocala feel a sentimental attachment to the structure which has served as a memento of past events and oppose demolition. The decision was made to save the main facade and as much of the structure as possible, and create a covered, open air pavilion which opens to the park, and can be used for a variety of community functions. In addition we proposed to salvage the existing lobby and mezzanine volume to serve as gallery and pre-function spaces, with public restrooms and other service areas. A new bandshell addition is planned on the higher ground, adjacent to the pavilion, to provide a casual atmosphere for outdoor concerts under the mature tree canopy and through the park.

New landscape and paved surfaces mark arrival points to be pavilion, reinforce connections to the surrounding development, and establish pathways and enclosures within the park.

northstar center

The facades of the existing Wagg Building, built in 1925, are all that is preserved on this downtown property. The proposed design demolishes a poorly designed 3 story bank structure which had been tacked on to the Wagg Building and integrates a new seven storey professional and office building, behind the existing structure. The new building was developed in accordance with the guidelines prescribed in the Downtown Master Plan for the City of West Palm Beach, and by preserving the historic facade the team took advantage of incentives in the City’s Zoning Code and increased the allowable height from five to seven stories greatly enhancing the projects financial viability.

The ground level, behind the notable facade serves as the main entrance into the building. A bank and retail space will occupy the remainder of this floor. The floor heights vary at the lower levels to integrate the existing fenestration. Each of the floor plates are approximately 11,000 sq. ft. and are designed with the core and circulation at the center, and will accommodate either a single tenant per floor, or the space may be subdivided for multiple tenants as required. The Southeast corner of the building is slightly set back from the building face, and this corner element is capped with a higher roof to respect the intersection of Olive Avenue and Evernia Street. This higher roof also enables an opportunity for clerestory glass and a spacious volume at the upper level. Architecturally, this new structure clearly compliments the facade of the existing historic building, interpreting the detailing of the original facade in a simplified modern manner without competing with the elegant original structure.

nadine mcguire theatre & dance pavilion

The new building, which is integrated with the Constans Theatre provides dedicated space for the Dance and Theatre departments at the University of Florida. These programs had previously used an inventory of mostly “found” spaces which were scattered throughout the campus for office, classrooms and even rehearsals. This project consolidates all of the required spaces into a single complex, along with a renovated theater and support spaces. The building program includes a new 250 seat “black box” theatre, several dance and theatre practice studios, scene and costume shop, computer, lighting and design labs, change rooms, and all departmental offices gathered around a three-story atrium space which is capped with a large skylight.

Programmed elements are organized around an existing pond and the placement of the structure, the massing of all the components, and internal planning integrate existing pedestrian traffic patterns; and whenever practical, glazed openings are introduced to provide connections to the surrounding environment. The design joins the existing and new lobbies to provide accessibility into both theatres with clear circulation paths to all spaces at each level, and creates a front to back of house connection. Production operations are also connected through a newly developed loading area which services both theatres and the adjacent shops. The original 400-seat theatre was also significantly renovated to provide enhanced acoustics, ADA compliance and improved patron comfort.

marion theater

Originally designed as a movie theatre by Roy Benjamin, a prominent architect that designed over two dozen theaters in the Southeastern United States during the early part of the century. This Art Deco Moderne building which opened in 1941, had 1000 seats and was Ocala’s primary movie venue for nearly 40 years. It closed in the 1970’s and was later converted to house the Discovery Science Center which required drasticly altering the buildings interior, however the main lobby and the main facade remained intact.

The goal for this project was to renovate and restore the Marion to present not only film, but live performance as well in an intimate 326 seat venue respectful of the original theatres significant architecture. The rear wall of the audience chamber is shifted towards the stage to allow for an increased lobby area, an enlarged permanent concessions, and the addition of sound and light locks to contol noise generated within the lobby. A new path outside the audience chamber was introduced to provide accessibility to the front of the hall, and an acoustically isolating partition was constructed along the the edge of the balcony to create another 136 seat performance venue at the upper level, within the existing theatres volume. All improvements to the 13,000 sq. ft. facility are a balance of functional accommodation for the theatre’s new mission and a sensitive restoration of the venue’s prodigious past in accordance with Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation resulting in the Marion Theatre receiving an Outstanding Achievement Award in the Field of Restoration/Rehabilitation from the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation in 2008.

lyric theatre

The historic theater, built in 1925 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was designed as a silent movie house. The original stage tower was reduced in height after being damaged by a hurricane, and the lobby and audience chamber have undergone a series of minor improvements to better serve the needs of live performance.

Following the long awaited acquisition of a small 30 foot wide parcel to the North of the building, the Lyric requested a design that would create a new larger stage tower, increasing the height and doubling the footprint, while integrating the existing walls of the historic stage house, and providing a back of house support space addition that would compliment the original architecture. A new multi-level addition is proposed with a new basement to provide change rooms and storage spaces, which are arranged to tie into what will be a reclaimed and improved orchestra pit. The orchestra level back-of-house includes a generous receiving area, storage, chorus change room and an elevator to link all levels, and star change room, green room/conference room, offices, storage and mechanical area make up the three upper levels.

raymond f. kravis center for the performing arts

We have had the good fortune to work with one of the nation’s largest and most successful art centers for more than 20 years designing all of the major components in the facility. It is located on a 5.4 acre site, and the original 200,500 sq. ft. center includes the 2189-seat, 3-balcony multiple purpose Dreyfoos Hall with superb technical and acoustic adjustability to present performance events including symphony, ballet, opera, theatre and Broadway productions. Other venues which have been completed over the years include the Rinker Playhouse which is comprised of a 300-seat flexible space with telescopic seating riser, the 1600-seat open air Gosman Amphitheater and the new Cohen Pavilion, with its 700-seat banquet hall, and 30,000 sq. ft. of performing arts education area, which includes a major dance studio, a high-volume rehearsal hall / flexible theatre, theatre labs, music practice rooms and support areas, and 27,000 sq. ft. of administrative offices as well as area arts organizations.

All of the phased additions to the main building, both permanent and temporary have maintained an architectural continuity with the aesthetics of the original structure. Each venue is programmed and design to function independently, with both front and back of house support space, in order to best serve the community and users in the greatest capacity, without disrupting the operations in the other venues. and, each spce has its own entrance which helps to provide an separate identity in the overall complex.

island city arts center

This project, designed for the City of Wilton Manors in the suburban Fort Lauderdale area involves the adaptive reuse of a former retail box into a new visual and performing arts complex to accommodate a wide range of presentations, including City Council meetings. Substantial demolition of both walls and roof is required of the 22,000 sq. ft. abandoned building, and additional areas are required at two sides to accommodate the owner’s needs. The building program includes two theaters, an exhibit / art gallery, several arts classrooms / studios and rehearsal spaces with necessary support spaces and a lobby area that will link all public spaces and also serves as additional gallery space.

Two established local theater companies will be the primary users of the facility; the larger space has 250 seats and a proscenium stage with fly space and the smaller is a 100 seat thrust stage which will be used by the children’s theater, and has been designed from a safety and operations viewpoint to accommodate both professional and non-professional technical personnel and performers. Extensive glazing has been added to the main lobby facade and other perimeter spaces to allow views both out and into the facility. A dominating curved roof element added to the front facade of the building becomes a covered drop off area for visitors and also creates an identity for the building.

hialeah high school auditorium

The project involved significant renovations and expansions of an existing high school auditorium to create a state-of-the-art teaching and performance facility that is also used as a community theatre for various types of presentations. After meeting with numerous local arts organizations and school officials to determine their spatial and technical needs, the 890-seat auditorium, originally constructed in 1953, was gutted and reshaped to improve acoustics and sightlines. The new seat count is reduced to approximately 800 seats, however sound and light locks have been introduced, handicapped accessibility and interior circulation is provided to connect all spaces, and we have created a more intimate connection between the performer and audience. The lobby has been reconfigured and expanded to introduce a new ticket office and concessions area, provide improved access to new restrooms, and new glazed openings to provide a greater degree of connection with the surrounding community.

Additionalyl, the stage has been enlarged and new rigging, draperies, and lighting distribution provided. Lighting positions including numerous catwalks, and a proper control room with projection capability and sound mixing position were introduced to provide better technical capabilities as well. Back-of-house support areas have been reworked and enlarged to accommodate a larger number of actors, provide a safer work environment, and additional storage space created to enhance productions and operations. New finishes have been introduced throughout and the entire facility has been upgraded to comply with the current American with Disabilities Act.

guzetta hall

The Departments of Dance, Theatre and Music at the University of Akron had long suffered from inadequate and outdated facilities that were scattered around the campus and beyond. The Department of Dance occupied improvised dance studios within the sactuary of an old abandoned chuch, several blocks from the edge of campus. We were hired to lead a team of national specialists and regional consultants to perform Programming, Masterplanning, and Design Services for phased major additions to and renovations of the existing Guzzetta Hall to better serve these Departments and numerous community arts organizations.

The master plan locates the additions on a parcel immediately adjacent to, and provides an interface with the existing Guzzetta Hall. The new building responds to campus master planning criteria and respects the surrounding context and patterns at the campus core. The program accommodates a new 450 seat performance space, several rehearsal studios, administrative offices and support spaces. The first phase of the project includes 7 dance studios, one of which also functions as a performance space, departmental offices, physical therapy spaces and a large atrium which in the future will double as the main lobby for the new theatre. This daylight flooded multi-levele space serves as the heart of the facility ; a place where students, faculty and the public, merge to engage in a constant exchange of ideas and inspiration.

gosman amphitheatre at the kravis center for the performing arts

Due to the enormous overall success of the Raymond F. Kravis Performing Arts Center, the Board of Directors decided to move forward with developing a former lawn area into a first-class 1,800 seat outdoor amphitheater, shortly after its opening. A new canopy covering the stage is cantilevered from the existing structure and designed to avoid conflicts with existing fenestration, and combination of bleacher and grass seating accommodates a variety of musical and theatrical performances. The venue is equipped with it’s own ticket office, concessions, restroom and technical production locations, to function independently and still provide all amenities for the patrons comfort, while back of house dressing rooms, storage and shops are shared with the existing building.

The placement of programmatic elements along the edges begin to establish an enclosure and relate to the urban development around the complex. The combination of these structures and landscape create an intimate outdoor venue that compliments the Center’s original architecture.

fox cities exhibition center

The City of Appleton, the Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau, and a coalition of community leaders are spearheading an effort to to build a new exhibit hall. The result of a feasibiliy study has determined that the lack of a large space for exhibits and trade shows has restricted the areas ability to compete as a destination for conventions, in the region. The coalition has agreed to add a new program to an existing downtown conference hotel which already has a ballroom, adequate meeting space and lodging. The site selected is across the street from the hotel, on an empty parcel adjacent to a steeply sloped city park.

We have been awarded a role on the design build team to lead the design efforts for the new facility, due in part to our successful completion of the neighboring Performing Arts Center, several years earlier. The new building includes a 30,000 sq. ft. exhibition space which is divisible into five individual rooms, a high volume pre-fuction space with a large glazed wall to provide great views overlooking the park, as well as complete public ammenities and back of house support spaces, including a seperate loading dock, to permit efficient operations of all events. This addition is connected to the existing conference center via an overhead pedestrian bridge which has been strategically integrated into the building design to provide a seamless transition between the two components, in both massing and interior spatial relationships.

luther f. carson four rivers center for the performing arts

This major performing arts center overlooks the Ohio River in downtown Paducah. The main lobby level is elevated and positioned to yield commanding views and recaptures the city’s connection to the river, which was lost by the construction of a flood wall. This multi-terraced space with sweeping form and free-flowing grand staircases is a beacon on the riverfront and serves as a true community gathering place.

The main hall has a capacity of 1,800 seats and is suitable for symphony, ballet, Broadway and a wide range of theatrical productions. The smaller venue is a 300-seat flexible theater used for local productions, and is ideal for banquets and receptions with large windows to capitalize on the views as well. Other components include a Founder’s Lounge and all required support facilities.

don & ann brown theatre at the cullio center

This project involves renovations to the former Burt Reynolds Institute for Theatre Training (BRITT), a 381 auditorium with a thrust stage space we designed for the teaching institution in 1996. The recent renovation required demolition of the steeply sloped seating risers and stage to existing grade and reconfiguration of the existing audience chamber into a 218 seat conventional proscenium theater to accommodate the users requirements. The reduced seat count allowed for additional program which includes a costume shop, administrative affices and a meeting room. Minor modifications to the lobby and other existing spaces were necessary to satisfy recent code developments and new program requirements

The work also involved replacement of exterior glazing and entrance doors to new hurricane resistant glazing standards, and redesign of the existing marquee and other cosmetic improvements to both the interior and exterior help provide a new image and identity for the current organization.

delray arts warehouse

The Arts Warehouse will be a unique, flexible facility to accommodate a wide variety of visual and performing artists in the Delray Beach community, through the creation of a several spaces that can quickly and affordably be reconfigured to suit the needs of the process of creation and presentation.  Several dozen visual and performing artists throughout south Florida, as well as members of the business community and civic leadership of Delray Beach were interviewed to help ascertain their needs, and determine how to best transform an existing buildings into an arts center.

In order to utilize the existing building as efficiently as possible and create suitable spaces for the arts, the entire floor slab and fill will be removed to lower the new ground floor by three feet. The taller interior voulume will provide appropriate ceiling heights for the Visual Arts Studios, allow an opportunity for second floor program over part of the footprint and allows for catwalks and a control room to be inserted in the third level Arts garage flexible performance space, which will greatly facilitate its technical flexibility.

All spaces are connected by lobby / gallery space which is easily accessed from the exterior public ways at multiple locations to encourage movement through the center. Large operable glazed openings into the performance and artist spaces provide a significant degree of transparency into the divisible studios from the exterior as well as from within the building to showcase the artist and their work. A minimalist overall aesthetic is proposed to provide a neutral backdrop to encourage the creative process and highlight the art.

camrose performing arts center

We led an effort to plan and assisted in the development a new performing arts cener for the University of Alberta Augustana Campus. The University has provided the land on a gateway site along the northeast edge of the campus, that provides opportunities for an interface with both the campus commons and the neighboring community. The City of Camrose will provide a significant portion of the projects funding and be one of the primary users of this facility which was was programmed with 15 area arts groups.

The placement of the building and programmed spaces is arranged to reinforce the main boulevard leading into the campus. Public spaces and studios wrap around to each elevation to showcase activity within the building and special consideration is given to the treatment and detailing of all facades given the total exposure of the building. The first phase of the project will include a 550 seat proscenium theatre with a single balcony and fly tower, an art gallery, scene shop and other required technical, back of house and front of house support spaces. Phase II will include a black-box theatre, drama studio, several small rehearsal spaces and other academic program spaces.

broward county convention center

We served as the design architects on the winning design-build team to construct a major addition to the Broward County Convention Center. The design criteria suggested a seamless addition, which was accomplished by utilizing the same materials and similar patterns as the existing, to create a consistent aesthetic at both the exterior skin, within the interior promenade, and created a continuity throughout the spaces. Emphasis was given on creating a separate identity to the new mass at the end of the complex with a wrap around lobby/ prefunction space and creating a the new entrance to the addition. A new enclosed foot bridge, leading to a multi-story lobby was introduced to provide added convenience from the existing parking structure.

Programmed elements include a 42,000 sq. ft. exhibition hall, numerous meeting rooms, an Executive/Video Conferencing Room, offices, a full service catering kitchen, a 30,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose / ballroom divisible into 8 separate rooms and more than 44,000 sq. ft. of new lobby, reception and concourse area. This design provided the greatest area at the lowest overall cost and accomplished the subtle integration of the addition with the existing facility. We were responsible for the design and overall planning of the project through schematic phase and designed, and detailed the interiors through construction documents / administration.

borland center for community enrichment

Work on this project started with developing a 47 acre masterplan, with a commercial developer/partner, that includes a 220,000 sq. ft. of entertainment, education, retail and office complex to serve the needs of Palm Beach Community Church and greater Palm Beach County. The master plan aknowledges and builds upon neighboring retail and residential development and creates a main street, which includes retail, office and the Center’s smaller theatre and banquet facilities. The new street terminates at the lobby of the main 3,000 seat auditorium, which is also positioned to capitalize on excellent visibility from the main thoroughfare. Parking is provided via a 2 story structure centrally located to support the entire development with additional surface parking for the main hall located to the west to provide a buffer with an existing residential community.

The main hall will be become home for the Church’s musical and theatrically-based services, and will also serve as a venue for touring Broadway productions, theater and other community events. The completed education and performing arts training component is the western anchor for the new Main Street, and is located directly adjacent to, and supports the main hall. It is designed to allow for each component to function independently, while maintaining their own identity. The building includes a flexible 550 seat theatre, classrooms, meeting space, offices, retail, and an activity center to accommodate current needs.

bob carr performing arts center

Renovations of and addition to this 2,500-seat multi-purpose performing arts center primarily involved stagehouse improvements / additions including removal of and raising existing roof by 25 feet, replacement of existing grid and galleries, new rigging, and removal of existing concert shell to increase overall dimensions of stage to accommodate larger sets required for many productions. An addition of 8,500 square feet to the backstage area includes new dressing rooms, green room, offices, crew room, storage, and 50-foot by 40-foot side stage area. The existing backstage has also been reconfigured and improved. A new elevator for access to all backstage area includes as part of the improvements required to comply with current Florida ADA requirements. Audience chamber improvements include enclosure of existing followspot locations, new forestage rigging capability and introduction of sidewall lighting positions.

bicentennial park amphitheatre

The City of Riviera Beach has some of the state’s most spectacular underdeveloped waterfront property . In an effort to enchance redevelopment of the public marina as well as provide public access to the private development on surronding property, we were commissioned to plan a new park which includes a new bandshell for local and touring musical, theatrical and dance performances. The new 6500 sq. ft. venue is located at the northwest corner of the park to provide the best location for viewing considering solar angles, however at the expense of water views for the partons. The simple building program is efficient planned along a linear cirulation corridor to access the stage, dressing rooms and storage areas. This circulation element is reinforced as a vertical spine on the exterior massing and is planned to be clad in reflective metal panels which provide views back to the park and waterfront, and also screens the industrial buildings and loading area to the north.

The park is designed to be predominately a flat lawn spaces to maintains views through and to the waterfront as well as providing a safe environment throughout the day. Stategic placement of hardscape areas helps to create a central audience lawn, and creates connections to the promenade at the water’s edge and a to the community center in the existing marina complex.

bayfront center

The renovation of the Bayfront Center, a theater and arena complex originally constructed in 1965, was undertaken by the city of St. Petersburg as a centennial project to bring renewed activity to the downtown waterfront. The focus of the work was the complete reconfiguration and remodeling of the 2,000-seat theater. Three levels of box seating were added to the sides, transforming the existing cold and characterless fan-shaped hall into a dramatic and intimate venue. The new form of the theater provides dramatically improved acoustics and sightlines. A new stage pit lift, improved performance equipment, and support facilities including dressing rooms and loading areas update the hall to present day requirements. The support facilities of the arena were also expanded and reorganized. New storage space was created, loading facilities were expanded and the lobby and other public areas were reconfigured.

Mr. Nelson served as Project Coordinator working from both the Toronto and Florida offices of Arcop Architects during the project’s development from initial design thru completion of detailed construction documents. He also served as full-time Site Representative during the project’s 16-month construction period and has intimate knowledge of all aspects of the centers original construction and renovations/additions.

bandshell at meyer amphitheatre

The bandshell is the permanent main stage for Sunfest, Florida’s largest annual music and art festival, as well as the home to the 4th on Flagler fireworks display. This 10,000 square foot landmark is located in a scenic downtown park overlooking the Intercoastal Waterway and accommodates up to 4,000 spectators for concerts, ceremonies and productions including popular music, symphonic concerts, and small ballet and opera productions throughout the year.

The venue provides a 60′ wide by 40′ deep stage with pivoting tormentor panels at both sides to adjust the width of the opening for various performances. A Teflon-coated fabric roof covers the stage supported by three large steel trusses, which are dominant architectural elements that serve as technical positions for lighting shows, accessed through a catwalk behind the fabric in the main facade. Other program elements include dressing rooms, public restrooms and backstage with a two bay loading dock which leads directly to the stage. The smaller, simple geometric forms and masses of these support spaces surrounds the taller curvilinear volume of the stage, and their placement is configured to relate to the surrounding urban edges.

artspark at young circle

Young Circle Park has been a destination for outdoor music festivals at the intersection of US Highway 1 and Hollywood Boulevard for decades. The park and existing bandshell had deteriorated and the City of Hollywood was anxious to rebuild the 12 acre parcel to become the centerpiece for ongoing redevelopment of the surrounding urban context. Initially, we were retained to lead a Feasibility Study, including a Needs Assessment and Programming Phase to redesign the park with a team of urban planners, landscape architects, engineers and architectural associates. Following the study, we developed a master plan to help the City secure a grant from Broward County to redevelop the park into a cultural center width includes both performing and visual arts components.

The design reinforces the site’s main east-west corridor, and a network of free-flowing pedestrian paths are introduced which are a modern interpretation of the historical pedestrian traffic pattern established in the original park, and help create a series of passive and active outdoor spaces. We worked with a public artist to create a water element to become the focal point for the plan, and a wide promenade at the perimeter is proposed for casual strolling, exercise and for outdoor fairs and events with booths and exhibits. The gently raised plaza at the center of the circle provides adequate sightlines to the new bandshell which is part of the new Cultural Arts Complex in the southeast quadrant. These buildings include a flexible indoor theatre, practice and rehearsal rooms, studios and support spaces for performing arts in one building and a visual arts wing with studios and classrooms at the lower level and a dance studio / multipurpose room, which overlooks the park, at the upper level.

arts district at rappallo

This civic landmark was envisioned by the developer to serve as a cultural anchor to a new mixed use community on Florida’s west coast while providing a venue for live performances in the region. The facility includes a 506 seat performing arts theater with limited public and back of house support spaces, which recognizes allowable area limitations approved under the development agreement.

The auditorium is designed to be a very intimate space, with opportunities for seating at several areas. The ground floor seats approximately 400 patrons on a sloped main orchestra floor and parterre seating on stepped risers at the rear. A gallery, or balcony at the upper level, wraps around the room and is divided into private box seating groups, providing a greater degree of intimacy. This area is ideally for corporate sponsorship and other group experiences and provide a connection with the performance on stage. The strategic placement of program elements around the larger auditorium and stagehouse together with a packaged hoist rigging system proposed for the stagehouse minimize the overall height to maintain lower scale volumes which complement the aesthetic of the village.

armory arts center

This project begins with a master planning effort to reconfigure the original historic Armory Arts Center building, a facility which serves the community by providing visual arts instructions for all ages in painting, ceramics, metalworking and sculpture. The renovation plans consist of transforming an area housing studios and offices into a Digital Arts Lab, a Print-making Studio, Light Metal Studio, Jewelry Studio, Main Gallery, Member’s Gallery, and Photographic Darkroom. Also, the lack of space and outdated facilities had led to the Armory’s decision to add a new Young Artists Studio Building to include Flat Work Painting and Drawing Studios, a multi-use youth studio, and supporting classrooms and office space.

The design of the new structure is harmonious with the existing 1939 Art Deco Armory Art Center, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The design process included numerous meetings with neighborhood groups and extensive collaboration with municipal agencies including the City’s Planning Board and Historic Preservation Board.

performing arts center & master planning studies

We were commissioned to lead a programming and schematic design effort to study possibilities for a major new performing arts facility on the University of Memphis campus. This facility was designed to meet the needs of community, regional and national touring arts groups, as well as several university department’s programming, and consists primarily of a 1300 seat multipurpose theater, a 300 seat studio theater, large rehearsal space, and offices for faculty. Placement of the building on the designated site required the development of a master plan to include a parking structure, a new hotel which includes a School of Hospitality, and new pedestrian crossings to connect these facilities, across a major roadway which divides the site from the campus core. Careful consideration is taken to provide a safe environment throughout the site by integrating both pedestrian and vehicular circulation.

Our studies propose placing the large glazed lobby along the main boulevard to maximize the opportunity to showcase activity within the building, and options are presented to provide either a reflecting pool with trees or a rhythm of architectural elements that lead the motorist toward the lobby as they enter the gateway to the campus. The stage house is surrounded by other program to reduce the impact of the tall mass with the surrounding, lower scale context, and the service zone is screened from the main approach and provides direct connection to back of house support spaces which are planned to provide efficiency.