kalita humphreys theater makover by diller scofidio + renfro
Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R) has not too long ago shared new visuals and an in depth fly-through animation depicting a full restoration proposal for the Kalita Humphreys Theater in Dallas, Texas. Initially designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the mid-century complicated sits inside a big public inexperienced park, in a disused form. Certainly, years of gathered neglect and additions to the 1959-designed theater have drowned out its architectural integrity, making it considered one of Frank Llyod Wright’s most neglected creations.
In gentle of this, DS+R launched an entire revitalization plan to thoughtfully restore the theater to its authentic glory. Taking over a multifaceted strategy, the proposal depends on 4 important actions: ‘surgical extraction, selective reconstruction, cautious preservation, and trustworthy reinterpretation of Wight’s design intent. […].Whereas it’s appreciated for its synthesis with nature, by the identical token, it has by no means been actually celebrated as a standalone Frank Lloyd Wright constructing. The proposed makeover addresses this paradox,’ writes DS+R.
all photos © Diller Scofidio + Renfro
a four-step and multifaceted restoration
The primary section of DS+R‘s four-step restoration plan focuses on surgically restoring the Kalita Humphreys Theater constructing with out straying too far-off from Wright’s preliminary design. On the one hand, the staff will get rid of ‘extra’ just like the 1968 foyer extension whereas rigorously restoring mid-century particulars, together with lighting fixtures, air grilles, door handles, window moldings, and furnishings.
However, ‘to be able to safeguard the way forward for Kalita Humphreys, the undertaking should not solely restore but additionally renovate the theater to help the wants of latest artists and audiences. Upgraded lighting, AV, stage infrastructure, and different again of home capabilities will present much-needed flexibility for a wider vary of performances. Seating might be re-raked to resemble the 1959 auditorium, however every row might be staggered to considerably enhance sightlines. A central data level and historic heart within the campus foyer will orient and have interaction guests,’ explains DS+R.
out of doors efficiency venue
The next steps contain remodeling the encompassing public inexperienced areas into an genuine park and out of doors arts complicated, lively all 12 months spherical. The inexperienced hub may also hyperlink to Turtle Creek and the Katy Path, one of the crucial visited spots in Dallas. Program-wise, guests will take pleasure in an outside efficiency venue, two pavilions, and a 100-seat black field theater with a walkable ceiling grid and an operable facade, each opening onto one of many courtyards. ‘Collectively, these and different enhancements will permit the theater to host extra productions whereas honoring the sweetness and integrity of Frank Lloyd Wright’s design,’ concludes DS+R.
grasp plan axonometric view
remaining trustworthy to the unique, 1959-designed structure
100-seat theater field
new areas for social interactions
undertaking data:
identify: Kalita Humphreys Theater Masterplan
location: Dallas, Texas
shopper: The Dallas Theater Middle
structure: Diller Scofidio and Renfro (DS+R) | @diller_scofidio_renfro
companion in cost: Charles Renfro
companions: Elizabeth Diller, Ricardo Scofidio, Benjamin Gilmartin
undertaking leaders: Kevin Rice, Andrea Schelly
undertaking staff: Fareez Giga, Kaitlin Faherty, Graysen Maxwell Babbitt, Lauren Ma
native architect: BOKA Powell
panorama architect: Reed Hildebrand
development supervisor: The Beck Group
historic preservation: Harboe Architects
structural engineer: Robert Silman Associates
civil & site visitors engineer: Pacheco Koch
mechanical, electrical & plumbing engineer: Syska Hennessy Group
theater advisor: Fisher Dachs Associates
accoustics / audio-visual: Threshold Acoustics LLC
accessibility: Entry by Design
