DG 1110.3.120
DESIGN GUIDE: MUSIC AND DRAMA CENTERS
JANUARY 1981
C H A P T E R 3: COMPOSITE BUILDING PROGRAMS
Simple improvement of each facility, without
greatly improving multi-use potential, will re-
quire additions mainly to the Backstage spaces.
Comparison with the Minimum figures first
given illustrates the breadth of possibility, mind-
B. IMPROVED FUNCTIONING FACILITIES
ful that these increases must be carefully weighed
against the likelihoods of effective utilization of
these capabilities now and in the future. Area
allocations given here are miserly. As a bench-
mark, a typical frontal symphony hall seating
2400 for Music only (no stagehouse) found in
many major U.S. cities, will total more than
110,000 GSF with only modest support spaces.
The most luxurious facility above is compara-
tively austere.
D. MULTI-USE VERSUS MULTI-ROOM
The question is: at what point has the single
multi-use facility capabilities (and constraints) in
excess of specific user needs? None of the
Rooms described need be especially advanced
technologically. But can a more efficient distri-
bution of the same resources serve better
In order to provide multi-use facilities of satis-
purpose?
factory quality, able to deal with a full schedule
of events including well-known touring shows,
For instance, it may be supposed the 53,000 GSF,
MDC's of the following sizes are adequate,
1400 seat music facility fulfills the requirements
though not top notch. Additions to the improved
of enabling Drama and/or Music performances
single-purpose facilities are in the Stage and
with a fair degree of quality in the same facility.
Backstage areas.
In fact, mounting an intimate amateur produc-
tion there would be quite difficult. Such a Room
C. MULTI-USE FUNCTIONING FACILITIES
is best suited to professional management with
an eye to commercial demand. Music and Drama
would essentially take turns with road shows,
and probably come out the worse for low at-
tendance. There are very few semi-professional
orchestras of 120 pieces with a substantial
repertoire.
However, it is quite possible that a multi-use 650
seat music facility of 38,000 GSF would be a suit-
able choice, permitting musical drama and pop-
ular bands and ensembles a regular schedule.
The using service is still faced with a Room that
is neither fish nor fowl, and the necessity of ad-
justing it for alternate uses.
This Guide's basic contention has been that for
each Room, one sort of use should be primary.
If both Music and Drama are important pro-
grams, two different Rooms should be provided.
The choice and planning of dual facilities natu-
rally includes considerations previously devel-
oped, with an assessment of financial resources.
If on this basis a dual facility is feasible, refine-
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