Schematic Design Study for Black Box Theatre at St Francis University
Task:
Schematic Design for 150 seat, 7,000SF Black Box Theatre at St Francis University. Developed design concept for progress reviews and design critiques with professional staff at IKM Inc. Adhered to client design requirements, including square footage, desired facilities, preferred industrial architectural aesthetic and considered optional extra features for project space. Considered all elements of design, including theater functionality, furniture design, structural changes and landscaping. Complete as much of design concept as possible in 4 week time-frame.
Concept & Execution:
In converting a former maintenance garage into a Black Box Theatre, I endeavored to boldly challenge traditional notions of industrial architecture while adhering the above requirements (in the working 4 weeks available to me). To that effect, the materials (metals, cords, finishes, etc.) used throughout the design would evoke a clearly perceived industrialism in the forms. The dramatically dynamic, colorful, and angular forms were intended to introduce a thematically appropriate artistic atmosphere to the spaces of the existing (and very ordinary) rectangular structure. The central form, which grew out of the interior of the theatre, allowed the concept to permeat every element of the design. Interior forms applied design concept principles while maximizing functional space and simplifying flow of human traffic and theatre equipment. The entrance easily accommodated heavy human traffic and allowed for hassle-free transfer of equipment to the facility. The exterior space provided a fully functional and ethereal gathering space and outside theatre, which was directly tied to an adjacent art building. As the new theatre was in a less traveled area of the college campus, these forms would also draw attention to its location and significantly contribute the marketing and branding of the Black Box Theatre. Conclusively, from spacial development to furniture, the design exhibited consistent, wholistic, conceptual and architectural continuity while fulfilling all requirements and additional features of the client.
