Proposed design for a Community Theatre renovation in San Diego, California.
The challenge was to boost the organization’s visibility and accessibility by creating a stronger connection between the building and business district. The existing building had a dark, defensive presence with small openings. To reinvent its image, we lightened the facade, removed windows at the terrace level and added a large sliding door as the grand welcoming gesture to the community.
A built-in planter was demolished and stairs were widened to maximize pedestrian access to the multi-functional terrace. Strong graphics on an interior video wall leads the eye into an enlarged lobby which doubles as a gallery for local artists. At night, live stage performances are projected on the exterior screen to give a voyeuristic glimpse of what's happening inside.