DG 1110.3.120
DESIGN GUIDE: MUSIC AND DRAMA CENTERS
JANUARY 1981
C H A P T E R 2: SITE PLANNING
cial dimensions in addition to relationship and
The principles of Functional Planning can also
capacity measures. The piano lift is useless if the
be applied to Site Planning. However, there are
piano cannot be maneuvered onto it. The follow
three conditions which should be considered.
spot booth can be ample in size but have a win-
First, site planning for an MDC contains relatively
dow too small.
few special criteria not previously identified in
TM-5-803-1, 3, 6 or TM-5-830-1 (See Table
Circulation and access routes are obvious can-
1-5-1). Second, the using service will not have
didates for scrutiny. Critical clearances should
examined outdoor activities with anything like
be stated in operational terms (e.g., require the
the detail of indoor programs, which is the basis
ability to move an 8 x 16 x 16 foot piece from
for functional planning. However, a certain level
truck to shop to stage rather than request a 9
of detail has already been achieved in Paragraph
2-5, Selecting the Site. Third, the military con-
foot cooridor). There will also be critical dis-
tances connected with lighting, acoustics, and
struction program emphasizes site planning in
vision; critical proportions related to stage and
advance of building concepts and identifies it
separately for budget data, requiring a rather
room areas; and critical elevations for rigging
iron. Many of these are covered by design criteria
complete analysis for the PDB.
in this Guide, but variations must be noted.
Climate conditions and the utility services are
determined prior to the development of me-
E. PRIORITIES
chanical system concepts and potentials for uti-
lizing outdoor spaces. Since significant funds are
involved in site improvements, the using service
Characteristics should be numbered and grouped
should pay attention to their effective deploy-
by priority. Wherever desired characteristics
might reasonably be in conflict as design pro-
ment and recognize it will ultimately be respon-
sible for upkeep.
ceeds, state which is more important: seating
capacity, comfortable legroom or viewing
distances.
B. ACCESS AND PARKING
F. OTHER CHARACTERISTICS
In addition to the site selection considerations
discussed in 2-5, the using service should ex-
plore possible alternative uses of paved areas in
There is no particular limit to the number and
fair weather. This can boost attendance and pub-
detail of functional requirements the using ser-
lic visibility, and can permit continuing local ac-
vice planners can state, provided they feel con-
tivity while the theater is dark for dress rehears-
fident they are correct, verifiable, and reasonably
als, setting and striking major productions.
practicable with respect to larger issues and
budget. At the same time they should not feel
If a desirable activity program includes occa-
compelled to spell out requirements that are nor-
sional shows drawing audiences in excess of
mal good practice. It is fair to assume competent
normal capacity, an outdoor amphitheater seat-
designers and technical consultants will be re-
ing area related to the stagehouse might be con-
tained in accordance with Chapter 1. When de-
sidered. Special attention should be given to the
termining characteristics in terms of specific ac-
establishment of overall site development con-
tivity groups, general building characteristics
ditions which are compatible with provision of
cannot be overlooked. Criteria for noise control,
accessibility for the physically handicapped. Re-
illumination levels, relative humidity, and secu-
fer to DOD 4270.1-M, EM 111O-1-103 Design for
rity which affect the entire building should be
the Physically Handicapped and ER 1110-1-102.
defined by using this Guide and other technical
Where required, steps and stepped ramps should
references.
conform to TM 5-803-3.
C. SITE FURNISHINGS
2-9. SITE PLANNING
1. Signage
Site signage has three main functions: to identify
the facility, to direct various groups, and to reg-
ulate vehicular traffic on the site. In some cases
2-19
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