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Portland Celebrates Architecture | |
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A Concert Hall Restored | |
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High-rise Housing in India | |
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A Concert Hall Restored In 1958, then-conductor George Szell had a new concert shell installed over the stage, the so-called "Szell shell." Despite its excellent acoustical properties, the shell's severe, box-like appearance was aesthetically in conflict with the Art Deco interior of the auditorium. Another early "renovation" moved the building's entrance to one side, destroying the feeling of a grand entrance on a strong central axis. When the firm of David M. Schwarz/Architectural Services was called in, they were challenged with five goals related to expanding the building, repairing certain deficiencies, and restoring some of the grand spaces to their original condition. The Restoration The first goal was to restore the concert hall to the original vision of Walker & Weeks. The clients were understandably concerned, however, that any change not produce acoustics less excellent than those afforded by the Szell shell. The design underwent considerable analysis by the consulting firm of Jaffe, Holden, Scarbrough Acoustics, Inc. Only when the consultants were able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of architect and clients that the concert hall would continue to excel acoustically after the restoration, was the design approved. The old shell was removed, a historic Skinner concert organ installed, and a new Art Deco concert shell built. The proscenium arch was partly restored and partly replaced with new construction. In the auditorium, existing materials remained but required extensive repair. In all, 42,000 square feet (3900 square meters) of interior space underwent restoration. The Additions A second goal of the project was to provide expanded and improved back-stage, administrative, and storage facilities. The existing support areas were cramped and inefficient. By adding greater accommodations for the storage of sets and props, for example, the building in the future will be able to accommodate more diverse events, attracting a broader audience, thus earning the hall additional revenue. To achieve this functional goal, the architects created a considerable addition at the rear of Severance Hall. This addition also addressed the third goal of the project: to create a new rear facade projecting out into the heart of the adjacent Case Western Reserve University. The exterior design of the new addition was to provide a nearly seamless expansion of the original historic hall. However, giving a subtle but decidedly modern twist to the otherwise historic-looking facade are the pilaster capitals, with musical symbols filling the role of traditional floral ornament. The fourth goal of the project was to improve access and services for audiences, patrons, and donors through updated facilities that equal or exceed those in modern public arts and entertainment facilities. These new facilities include a luxurious donor's suite, a gift shop, and a new restaurant, aptly named "Severance." A fifth goal was to recreate an early-20th-century entrance experience by placing the main entrance back on the symmetrical axis intended by Walker & Weeks and ceremonially building up to the drama of the main foyer. With the renovation and expansion completed in December 1999, Severance Hall reopened with a gala celebration under the baton of Christoph von Dohnanyi, on January 8, 2000. The architects will receive the AIA Award of Merit on November 17, 2000.
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