Contemporary Theatre Design

The Brief:

_Design criteria

You are required to design a modern theatre for the City. The core concerns relating to the project must be considered before you start:

_Building typology -What is the nature of the space and its function? -Consider that the building typology is made up of a hierarchical development of large principal and smaller service and "servant" spaces. -How does one deal with the technical and design challenges of large space and span facilities? -How does one create a space and place which has a strong sense of mood and atmosphere -ALL of the above must be addressed through the process of extensive and detailed precedent analyses.

_Context: -What is the relationship between the way in which the urban space or building is integrated within the urban fabric? -What elements contribute to the sensed nature or particular qualities in an urban fabric and how this experience enhanced or changed through the development of the site? -How does one respond to the context in terms of the scale, aesthetic and historical character? -How does one deal with the street edge and public space? These questions highlight some of the primary issues that will need to be addressed in developing responses to the brief for this assigned task.

_Task This project requires a very detailed research process prior to commencing with the design exploration. A theatre building is usually made up of a large number of rooms. Some of which are foyers, refreshment rooms, bars and cloakrooms (ablutions) which are designed to look after the needs of the audience before they enter the auditorium. These spaces therefore form part of the public side of the building with the spaces associated with the performers separated into private spaces to the rear. These spaces cater for the needs of the actors, dancers, musicians before they go onto the stage and they comprise the following – dressing rooms, wardrobe rooms, practice rooms, refreshment areas, ablutions and storage. Apart from that one also has an administrative side which relates to the technical requirements of the building in terms of its functioning, namely sound booths, lighting, offices, workshops, storage and staff facilities. Therefore when looking at precedent case studies one has to consider those building which provide one with adequate detail in terms of not only the architectural aesthetic but also the planning, functioning of the building. Whilst all of the above spaces are vital to the functioning of the building, the vital space is the auditorium and the stage. It is these spaces that give the main traits of the character of the building which we call "theatre".

_Spatial Requirements Your precedent analysis and related research will determine the exact nature of the accommodation. However, in terms of broad principles you must consider the following: -An auditorium which seats at least 400 people -All the related back stage spaces in terms of services and functions for the performers, namely change rooms, ablutions, wardrobe, storage, rehearsal rooms, dance studios etc -Entrance foyers, circulation, pause areas, bar and refreshments -Restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and related services such as kitchen, store, deliveries -Public ablutions and performer/staff ablutions -Administration offices and technical support spaces -Basement parking and loading bays