Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods in Columbia, Md., has recently received an outdoor performance venue that may be the most eye-catching aspect of the entire park. The “Chrysalis” is a bright green 5,000-sf performance space that includes a stage under a steel and aluminum-shingled shell.
Designed by MARC FORNES/THEVERYMANY with Living Design Lab as the architect of record, the Chrysalis makes use of a series of complex curves and arched openings to provide sightlines to the forest beyond. Arup, which provided theatrical and lighting design, and structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering services, used 3D modeling to address some of the challenges the project presented.
Arup evaluated the siting of the pavilion to optimize sightlines for the audience. Wind tunnel tests helped to determine the design of the structure’s galvanized steel beyond the building and tunable LED lighting was designed to help animate the structure and emphasize its form. Acoustic studies helped to achieve optimal sound performance inside and outside of the structure.
The Build Team also consisted of specialty design-builder A. Zahner Company; steel fabricator and installer Walters Group; and general contractor Whiting-Turner Construction Company.
The Chrysalis officially opened on April 22.
Related Stories
| Feb 25, 2013
10 U.S. cities with the best urban forests
Charlotte, Denver, and Milwaukee are among 10 U.S. cities ranked recently by the conservation organization American Forests for having quality urban forest programs.
| Feb 19, 2013
'Pop-up' proposal would create movable cultural venue for NYC
The Culture Shed, a proposed 170,000-sf project for New York City's Hudson Yards development, could be the ultimate in "pop-up" facilities.
| Feb 6, 2013
Arcadia (Calif.) High School opens $20 million performing arts center
A 60-year old wish for the community of Arcadia has finally come true with the opening of Arcadia Unified School District’s new $20 million Performing Arts Center.
| Oct 5, 2012
2012 Reconstruction Award Bronze Winner: DPR Construction, Phoenix Regional Office, Phoenix, Ariz.
Working with A/E firm SmithGroupJJR, DPR converted a vacant 16,533-sf one-time “adult-themed boutique” in the city’s reemerging Discovery Triangle into a LEED-NC Platinum office, one that is on target to be the first net-zero commercial office building in Arizona.
| Oct 4, 2012
2012 Reconstruction Awards Silver Winner: Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare, Cleveland, Ohio
The $30 million project resulted in three new theatres in the existing 81,500-sf space and a 44,000-sf contiguous addition: the Allen Theatre, the Second Stage, and the Helen Rosenfeld Lewis Bialosky Lab Theatre.
| Jun 22, 2012
Revitalization Efforts Advance in Hackensack, N.J.
Work progresses on Cultural and Performing Arts Center and Atlantic Street Park
| Jun 8, 2012
Chestnut Hill College dedicates Jack and Rosemary Murphy Gulati complex
Casaccio Yu Architects designed the 11,300-sf fitness and social complex.
| Jun 1, 2012
New BD+C University Course on Insulated Metal Panels available
By completing this course, you earn 1.0 HSW/SD AIA Learning Units.
| May 29, 2012
Reconstruction Awards Entry Information
Download a PDF of the Entry Information at the bottom of this page.
| May 24, 2012
2012 Reconstruction Awards Entry Form
Download a PDF of the Entry Form at the bottom of this page.
