Theatre Design & Technology - Spring 1983 - 29

lead down to the river-a part of the
new IDO-acre riverfront park.
The nOD-seat auditorium, in continental style, is acoustically adaptable
for performances widely ranging from
opera and symphony to road show and
convention ession . Within the threesided expan e of tinted bronze glass,
spacious corridor offer audiences a
sweeping "iew of the city during intermissions and untroubled movement to
and from performances.
Because of commercial aircraft
noi e, the building was designed in such
a way as to insure total sound isolation.

This was accomplished by a double roof
construction with the top layer resiliently supported. The periphery of the main
house utilizes audience circulation areas
and acoustical isolation elements to
separate the outer glass wall from the
theatre proper. Special attention was
given to insure isolation of noise
generating mechanical equipment.
The ceiling of the auditorium is of
wood slat panels which provide
acoustically transparent surfaces to
serve as a visual barrier to a large array
of above-ceiling and acoustical diffusing
elements. Acoustical requirements for
variable reverberation characteristics are

met by an adjustable array of aboveceiling reverberation control draperies
capable of extending or retracting in a
fan-like pattern over the entire
auditorium ceiling area.
The proscenium opening is 65 feet
wide and n feet high and the stage itself
is 52 feet deep and 150 feet wide. The
audio systems incorporate state-of-theart components that provide high quality amplification and reinforcement of
"oice and musical instruments.
The convention center across the
mall from the auditorium provides for
exhibit, meeting, dining and food
preparation space.

within 80 feet of the stage.
A large entrance lobby and mezzanine pro"ide space for permanent and
changing art exhibits and a setting for
solo performances by student artist.
The mezzanine may also be opened
directly to the auditorium to pro"ide
auxiliary audience space. Casual or
drop-in "isitors to the Auditorium may
vie'" and listen to the on- tage performance from this mezzanine and lea"e
"'ithout disturbing the people seated in
the audience.
The proscenium stage, with an opening 60 feet wide by 36 feet high, has a
built-in resilient floor designed for dance
productions.
The four-position

hydraulically controlled orchestra lift is
designed to accommodate 70 musicians.
An on-stage orchestra shell, utilized during music performances, and adjustable
to meet changing requirements, continues the ide wall and ceiling de ign of
the auditorium.
Visually, the
auditorium and the stage thereby appear
a one continuous element.
Quality acoustics and a sound
ystem de igned for the music of today
and that of the future were incorporated
into the overall planning of the building
to enhance the flexibility and versatility
to the auditorium. The low-level sound

Grand Traverse Performing Arts Center
Corson Auditorium
Interlochen, Michigan
Owner:
Interlochen Center for the Arts
Architect:
Alden B. Dow Associates, Inc.
Acoustical Consultant:
Jaffe Acoustics, Inc.
Mechanical Engineers:
K. F. Leinninger & Assoc., Inc.
Electrical Engineers:
Saginaw Valley Associates
Structural Engineers:
McClurg & Associates
Completion:
May, 1975
Seating Capacity:
1000
Expected Use:
Orchestra, choir, dance
The Interlochen Arts Academy Performing
Arts
Center-Corson
Auditorium "'as designed to meet the
specific design criteria of musical performance . The interior "olume and
geometry could therefore be arranged to
maximize the acoustical qualities
necessary for thi limited-use purpose
(concerts, ensembles, choral, dance)
without compromise found in many
multi-discipline auditoriums.
The auditorium is entered from large
side lobbies. Continental seating for an
audience of 1000 is arranged on continuous ri er , assuring unobstructed
viewing for everyone and allowing easy
circulation within the rows. All eats are

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SITT Spring 1983 Thealre Design &

Technolog~

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