DESIGN GUIDE: MUSIC AND DRAMA CENTERS
DG 1110.3.120
CHAPTER 2: ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PLANNING
construction, designed to overcome the high
theater's most inviting advertisement. Since the
heat gain from lighting instruments, large crowds
largest element of a theater building is always
and physical effort. In the closed, windowless
windowless for light and sound control, the
environment, the system also provides ventilat-
lobby or entrance foyer will be the element which
ing air changes and maintains year round con-
visually and physically connects the facility to
stant relative humidity. Particular attention is
the outdoors and the street. The public approach
paid the air distribution subsystem in perfor-
to the Music and Drama Center should be es-
mance spaces to minimize noise transmission
pecially inviting and in the spirit of an arts ori-
and noise generation. Air movement must be
ented facility.
carefully regulated to prevent drafts that cause
curtains to billow,. scenery movement, and
The influences of local architectural traditions
acoustical aberrations.
should be considered, as well as significant his-
torical and cultural landmarks with which the
All mechanical equipment should be as remote
population already identifies. The facility must
from performance areas as possible, preferably
have an architectural integrity of its own; it is
independent of the main building structure.
unwise to parrot the design style and details of
Economy demands consideration of incremental
an authentic historic building. New and old will
capacity to deal with large variations in load, sea-
both suffer in the comparison. Respect for neigh-
sonally and daily. Finally, given the installed ca-
boring facilities of historic importance should be
pacity of air handling equipment, its potential
maintained by thoughtful use of compatible or
should be explored as an emergency exhaust
sympathetic forms, details, textures, colors and
system in case of fire.
materials.
Climatic conditions will also affect the final de-
B. ELECTRICAL
sign's appearance according to the degree of
shading, openness, wind exposure, and soften-
Power service requirements are established by
ing influence of landscape elements.
a relatively high peak demand resulting from
lighting, electro-mechanical devices, and air con-
ditioning. Adequate allowance must be made for
reserve and future capacity, and flexibility in
2-10. ENVIRONMENTAL
power distribution with a proper selection of
voltages.
SYSTEMS PLANNING
Design of theatrical lighting systems is the prov-
ince of special technical consultants, and func-
tionally separate from the ordinary building sys-
Performance facilities pose unusual problems
tem. But the same standards of safety and
for mechanical systems design; normal practice
workmanship apply to both. The using service
will not suffice. The mechanical engineer for an
will identify in its functional requirements all
MDC should demonstrate qualifications similar
known special equipment loads and voltages. It
to the architect's, and begin his work very early
will also specify any unusual illumination re-
in the design process to ensure its integration,
quirements in work areas and accessory spaces,
careful detailing, and ultimate efficiency. Tech-
and note outdoor spaces to be developed with
nical criteria are noted in Chapters 3 and 4 and
lighting and/or power supply.
several Technical Manuals, while DOD 4270.1-M
states Army-wide policies. From the planner's
C. PLUMBING
viewpoint, the using service should understand
the characteristics of properly operating systems
in relation to the functional requirements of per-
Standard technical criteria apply to plumbing,
forming arts activities. These are discussed in
water supply and sanitary waste disposal. How-
Chapter 3 and broadly categorized below.
ever, the functional requirements of backstage
and public facilities must be delineated by the
using service. In particular, provision of suffi-
A. HVAC
cient lavatory basins in makeup rooms, toilets
and showers for the cast and for the stage crew,
Every MDC will require air conditioning in its
and laundry hook-ups in wardrobe maintenance
2-21
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