the final StageWorks Theatre Design Workshop Report

StageWorks Theatre
D e s i g n Wo r k s h o p
April 24, 2010
Final Charrette Report
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Workshop Host
StageWorks Theatre Board of Directors, Staff and Volunteers
Special thanks to:
Andrea Graham, StageWorks Theatre Board President
Anna Brennen, Founder of StageWorks Theatre
Charrette Team
Design and Facilitation, the Urban Charrette, Inc.
Ashly Anderson, Project Manager
Michelle Earley, Project Coordinator
Taryn Sabia-Fritz, Workshop Team Leader
Facilitators
Cassandra Lowry
Kevin Kemp
Matthew Suarez
Image and Design Assistance
Stacy Dempsey
Tanya Feehan
Diana Gazabon
Julie Gibbs
Julia Labadie
Special Acknowledgements
Workshop Venue provided by:
Monte Carlo Condominiums, Tampa, Florida
TABLE OF CONTENTS
01
I N T E N T O F R E P O R T
01 - 03
02
P R O J E C T H I S T O R Y
04 - 07
04
I N I T I A L C O N C E P T / R E S E A R C H
08 - 09
05
T H E W O R K S H O P P R O C E S S
10 - 13
06
D E S I G N R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S
14 - 21
StageWorks Theatre Design Workshop
INTENT OF REPORT
T
his final report provides findings, detailed summaries, and refined schematic design concepts prepared for StageWorks Theatre.
These findings were collected during a one-day Design Workshop with invited
stakeholders of StageWorks Theatre, held on April 24, 2010. The workshop was
based upon the research completed by the Urban Charrette team prior to the
event. The final information was compiled with stakeholder input and additional
design research.
The results of the workshop are not intended to represent the final design solution
for StageWorks Theatre, but rather serve as a schematic guide to the next steps
toward the interior build-out. The report summarizes preliminary design ideas generated through the charrette process and is a tool to assist in identifying potential
strategies for implementation.
StageWorks Theatre Design Workshop
01
INTRODUCTION
“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art
forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of
what it is to be a human being.” – Oscar Wilde
formula used by the Urban Charrette is
comprised of a multidisciplinary team
that works in compressed sessions to
create solutions to a design problem.
In August 2009, the StageWorks Theatre
Board President, Andrea Graham, approached the Urban Charrette , for assistance in identifying innovative solutions to
complete the interior of their new theatre
located in Tampa’s Channel District. The
primary focus areas of the project were
the Lobby and Gallery spaces of the theatre. The Board of Directors identified that
the solutions proposed would need to be
affordable, as the non-profit theatre had
little budget to complete the project.
To identify and cultivate potential ideas,
a community based design process
(charrette) provided the necessary collaboration between stakeholders and
the Urban Charrette design team to create a shared vision for the theatre. This
02 StageWorks Theatre Design Workshop
The origin of the term “charrette”
developed at the École des BeauxArts in Paris during the 19th century.
Professors circulated a cart, or “charrette,” to collect final drawings while
the students frantically put finishing touches on their work (National
Charrette Institute). Today, we use
the term “charrette” to describe an
intense collaborative design process.
PURPOSE
The following goals were formulated for the StageWorks Theatre Workshop:
•
To use the charrette process to create a shared vision for the new
StageWorks Theatre space.
•
To use creativity and innovation to address the budget constraints of
the selected interior finishes of the new StageWorks Theatre.
•
To feature the StageWorks public outreach programs in the design
concepts developed during the process.
•
To provide schematic design recommendations to be used as a guide
for next steps in the interior build-out and fundraising process.
StageWorks Theatre Design Workshop
03
PROJECT HISTORY
[The new location] “will be a sanctuary for artists where they will congregate, create and perform... We will be a home for diverse youth... to
learn and ‘do’ theater... [and] lastly, I wish us to
stake our claim, without irony or arrogance, to
becoming a world class theater community.”
-Anna Brennen, founder of StageWorks Theatre,
quoted from the StageWorks Theatre Groundbreaking Ceremony. (source: Creative Loafing, 2009)
Ken Stoltenberg of Mercury Advisors,
the developer of Grand Central at Kennedy donated 8,000 square feet to
StageWorks Theatre. Since that time,
Johnson Cartwright Jarman Architects,
P.A. provided pro-bono services for the
building design, and Holmes Hepner &
Associates Architects for interior design
services. Sierra Construction serves as the
project contractor for the first phase of
the interior construction. The first phase is
under way and includes the completion
of the two-level interior structure, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and other life safety components. Phase two will begin as
funding and materials become available.
04 StageWorks Theatre Design Workshop
StageWorks Theatre Design Workshop 05
CONTEXT
Incorporated as part of the Channel
District community, with condos, a port
and nighttime entertainment, the new
Stageworks Theatre location, in the
Grand Central at Kennedy, will attract
people to Tampa’s urban core to enjoy
StageWorks productions. A TECO Line
Streetcar station in walking distance of
the new Grand Central location provides
acess to other cultural activities by connecting Ybor City, to Channelside and
Downtown with StageWorks Theatre.
This adds an exciting value to the new
theatre location, but also It will be a
challenge for StageWorks to make their
presence known as destination for theatre in Tampa. The need for signage and
marketing around the Channel District
will be essential to being succesful.
photo courtesy of StageWorks.
06 StageWorks Theatre Design Workshop
The New Theatre
The new space will feature a series of
programmatic elements for the production and administrative needs of the
theatre. The first floor will have a lobby,
ticket booth, gallery, restrooms, stage
and theatre seating. The second floor will
house administrative offices, a catwalk
for stage productions and various other
storage and utilitarian uses. With the
entrance to the theatre nestled off the
main entrance of the residential lobby of
Grand Central at Kennedy, the StageWorks audience will be directed from the
street via signage on the building façade
and upon entering the condominium
lobby.
photo courtesy of StageWorks. Anna Brennen, Founder of StageWorks Theatre.
StageWorks Theatre Design Workshop 07
INITIAL CONCEPT / RESEARCH
The Urban Charrette design team con-
ducted research prior to the Design
Workshop to identify affordable alternate
materials that could offer interesting aesthetic qualities. The approach explored
sustainable, reclaimed and repurposed
material resources as potential finishes
in the theatre. The materials needed to
be aesthetically pleasing and socially
responsible. Using repurposed materials
would also cost cents on the dollar compared to new building materials and
could give a second life to materials that
would typically be discarded in a
landfill.
der to offer flexible and contemporary
options for the various temporary gallery art and information that StageWorks
might showcase. Major consideration
was made to enhance the acoustics of
the current lobby spaces. With high ceilings and hard surfaces, the design team
researched items that could lower the
ceiling plane and absorb sound.
Each researched material was logged
into a database for use during the Design Workshop. Use, physical properties,
safety considerations and local suppliers
categorized the material database.
With safety and economy in mind, research of materials that would offer fire
resistance were considered, as well as
materials that offer flexibility to the end
user. The design team searched for alternative materials that could be easily
mounted on concrete block walls in or-
08 StageWorks Theatre Design Workshop
Acoustic Materials
Furniture
Lighting
StageWorks Theatre Design Workshop 09
THE WORKSHOP PROCESS
On April 24, 2010, the Design Workshop
gathered StageWorks staff, volunteers,
Directors, and Architecture and Design
Professionals to participate in the oneday session. Held at the Monte Carlo
Condominiums in Tampa, the workshop
was divided into two segments for stakeholder input, a visioning session and
concept development.
Participants were divided into three
groups. Each group collaborated to
generate ideas for the project vision.
The ideas and concepts of each group
were presented and voted upon to
determine consensus for a shared vision.
The vision and concepts were used by
the Urban Charrette design team to develop the final schematic design recommendations.
The participants were asked to answer
questions in limited word answers before
breaking into smaller groups. The responses are as follows:
Question: What is StageWorks?
Response: Theater. Creativity. Outreach.
Thought Provoking. Intimate. Socially
Aware. Diverse. Frugal. Talented. Relentless. Friendly. Charitable. Colorful. Gutsy.
Powerful. Responsible. Growing. Visually
Stimulating. Tenacious. Fiscally Responsible. Challenging. Alternative. Entertaining. Empowering. Leaders. Persistence.
Multi cultural.
Question: How do you want the space
to feel?
Response: Eclectic. Thought Provoking.
Stimulating. Transformative . Inspiring.
Intimate. Comfortable. Safe. Warm Embrace. Anticipation
Question: What do you want the space
to offer?
Response: Excitement. Security. Anticipation. Learning Environment. Comfort.
Gathering
10 StageWorks Theatre Design Workshop
The groups were given a playful identity during
the Workshop based upon the locations in which
the groups were seated:
Group 1:
Poolside
Group 2:
Snackside
Group 3:
Bayside
GROUP SUMMARIES
Group 1: Pool Side
Group 2: Snack Side
Group 3: Bay Side
The Vision: A need to feel connected
within a stimulating and inspiring space
which using eclecticism, versatility, and
diversity (messy vitality).
Zones:
Warm Modern
Moveable
Playful
Mosaic
Local art display
Benches
Youth interaction
The Vision: A transformative experience
and environment which acts as a warm
embrace inviting great change and expectations while being eclectic.
Zones:
Flexible
Movable
Stackable
The Vision: Space that is immediately
thought provoking and inviting, it tells
the story, is safe, easy to navigate, intimate and comfortable.
Materials:
Mattresses
Ironing Boards
Chain Link Fence
Fabric
Reclaimed Marble/Tile
Materials:
Canvas
Bench Seating
Multifunctional chair
Wire Reels
Reusing set pieces
Chain Link Fence
Wine Bottle Lights
Zones:
Information Wall Intimate Gathering Areas
Hospitality Area
Marketing to gender
Materials:
Structural Paper Tubes
Chain Link Fence
Street Posts
Wire Reels
Reusing set pieces
StageWorks Theatre Design Workshop 11
VISION + ZONES
collective vision
The space embraces innovation
through thought and material, provoking social awareness by guiding you
through a transformative experience.
selected program
Informational Entrance
Initimate Zones
Art Gallery
(Hospitality) Large Gathering Area
StageWorks Signature Wall
Gender Diversity Zone
Quiet Zone
12 StageWorks Theatre Design Workshop
MAIN ENTRANCE
ELEVATION 1
(page 16)
BLOCKING
DIAGRAM
LEGEND
bar area / stage
open circulation space
diversity display area
entrance / ticketing
proposed space for lines
seating / gathering
ELEVATION 2
(page 18)
ELEVATION 3
(page 17)
StageWorks Theatre Design Workshop
13
DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
Following the Design Workshop, a series
By creating tension, fabric material can
also be used buffer sound and create
of recommendations were developed interest at the ceiling plane. Canvas
that take into consideration the research tarps, for example, can purchased in
conducted prior to the Workshop, as well a variety of sizes and are pre-treated
as the Stakeholder responses collected. for flame retardance and mildew resistance.
Lowering the Ceiling Plane:
To create a sense of anticipation upon
Flexible Display Areas:
entering the theatre, the ceiling plane
A continuous display fixture will be
in the hallway should be lowered from
mounted throughout the lobby space
15ft 8in to approximately 9-10ft. A variof the theatre. Choosing materials that
ety of materials could be used to absorb offer multiple height levels, StageWorks
sound and offer an interesting ceiling
can display a variety of art, set pieces
treatment. The sketches following this
and donor information quickly without
section suggest hanging structural padamaging the concrete block walls.
per tubes, fixed in a dense pattern of
When mounted in the center, typical
various widths and mounting heights to
metal signposts offer two niches for
create the ceiling treatment and pohanging art on hooks. The signposts will
tential light fixtures. Clustering the strucbe able to hold large pieces of work
tural paper tubes, traditionally used in
and small plaques of information and
large broadloom carpet rolls, the above create a pattern of three linear stripes
the entry and in select portions of the
throughout the space. Chain link fencgathering spaces will allow sound to be
ing also offers a great deal of flexibility
absorbed into the plenum above, and
for displaying art. Mixing the linear signgives additional opportunities for lighting posts and textural chain link fencing will
to be integrated into the ceiling.
offer visual variety to the observer and
14 StageWorks Theatre Design Workshop
versatile function to the user. These display materials can be painted to match
the wall color for a monochromic
aesthetic, or left unpainted.
Gathering Spaces and Bar:
A mixture of cocktail tables, low seating and a creatively constructed bar
will populate the hospitality areas. The
bar can be constructed of a structural
stacking material, such as collected
paint cans, fastened together on a
plywood base with castors for mobility.
The bar top can be designed out of a
sheet of material such as granite, stainless steel, poured concrete or painted
plywood. Clustering the seating in small
gathering areas will provide intimate
spaces for the guests.
Theatre Acoustics:
The angled wall in the entry corridor will
receive a treatment of vertical structural
paper tubes in varying depths to create
a ripple texture. This same technique
would be applied to the wall directly
behind the seating within the theatre
The dimensional texture will help absorb
sound in these areas. Placing the structural paper tubes vertically will allow
them to be glued or mounted easily to a
flat surface. The tubes can be painted,
left natural or covered with a fire-rated
fabric.
Diversity:
In order to continue to promote and
reflect the diversity of StageWorks, a key
zone can be established to inform and
encourage various patrons of the theatre. By utilizing color, texture and the
flexible mounting solutions listed above,
information displays near the men and
women’s restrooms will be an important
feature. As discussed during the Design
Workshop, recognition plaques, new
donor information or a promotional
display of new programming could be
showcased.
schematic sketch of lobby
StageWorks Theatre Design Workshop 15
ELEVATION 1 of Ticket Booth Wall and Lobby, featuring details
and sketches of vertical application of structural paper tubes.
16 StageWorks Theatre Design Workshop
ELEVATION 2 of Bar Area and Restroom Lobby, featuring details and
sketches of paint can bar design concept and canvas canopies.
StageWorks Theatre Design Workshop
17
ELEVATION 3 of Display Wall, featuring a section of the main corridor
and concept sketches and image of structural paper tube ceiling feature.
18 StageWorks Theatre Design Workshop
DESIGN DETAILS
Paper Tube Light Fixture
Spool Chair and Ottoman
Signpost Detail Sketch
StageWorks Theatre Design Workshop 19
ACTIONS
Working
with the contractor, the reclaimed materials can be mounted or
assembled by subcontractors on the
building team. Utilizing the subcontractor’s expertise, the materials could be installed safely and attractively with adhesives and hardware. StageWorks could
ask local installers of rolled carpet and
flooring material to donate their structural paper tubes in mass quantities, which
then can be sized and cut for the various installations. Many of the alternative
materials recommended could be easily
collected from a series of local retailers,
contractors and salvage yards, to be assembled on site or remotely.
By engaging local artisans to assist in the
construction or fabrication of moveable
items such as chairs and tables, StageWorks can ensure that the local arts community is vested in every chair assembled
off-site and donated to the project.
Fundraising
The key to gaining capital to fund the
new vision of StageWorks Theatre will
consist of material donation procurement and monetary fundraising for any
assembly costs. Once a material is collected, StageWorks could utilize volunteers to assemble and create the design
together and through individual artisans
and craftsman.
Marketing
The new StageWorks Theatre:
• Will bring a new audience to the
Channel District to see a space designed of alternative materials, the
space itself is an interesting set.
• Focuses the built environment to
reflect the social responsibility of the
organization.
• Honors donors, professionals and
volunteers by being inventive and costconscious.
StageWorks Theatre Design Workshop
21
© the Urban Charrette, Inc. 2010