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2005 AIA Wisconsin Design Awards
Forest Hills Fine Arts Center
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Architect
Holabird & Root LLC, Chicago, Illinois, Integrated Architecture, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Owner
Forest Hills Public School District, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Contractor
Triangle Associates, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Project Description
The design of this community theatre is broken into distinct areas, creating an intimate experience for 200 or a full house of over 1,200, with exceptional sight lines and direct access to the stage for each audience member. Balcony and box fronts are transparent to give a feeling of floating in space. Walls of curved wood panels allow the audience to imagine that they are inside a musical instrument. The Center provides a gathering place for the entire community. Stunning in the use of materials, light and building massing, the facility was completed on a modest construction budget and includes innovative sustainable design features.
Jury Comments
This project was interesting with respect to the public spaces, the auditorium and some of the educational spaces. We recognize the architects’ ability to create pleasant, nice and warm spaces with a fairly low budget, using modern and contemporary materials. The lobby and the back of the balcony is just what it is, not fussy, but warm and inviting. The building is nice in the daytime and nighttime. At night, it becomes a destination point for people coming to the arts. The challenge of trying to create an intimate space for a large number of seats is very tricky without making it seem like an auditorium. It is still huge, but there are clearly some ideas that make it warm and inviting.
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Photo Credit: John J. Korom Photography or Mark Thomas Productions
©2008 AIA Wisconsin. All Rights Reserved.