Tempe center for the arts
May 18, 2010 Filed under Culture, Architecture News Plus—International architecture magazine, www.architecturenewsplus.com
Architect's statement
The Tempe Center for the Arts was designed by Barton Myers Associates (BMA) with partner firm Architekton.
The Tempe Center for the Arts is a vibrant gathering place for the City of Tempe, integrating performing arts and park activities within the newly developing riverfront area. The Center’s design draws upon significant historic, climatic, and contextual traditions for inspiration; meanwhile, it utilizes modern technology to create outstanding performance and exhibition spaces.
The Center’s character reflects both its function as a civic meeting place and a symbol of Tempe’s desert landscape and history. The lobby space incorporates an expansive view toward the river and park through a dramatic transparent glass curtainwall. As one looks toward the facility from the exterior, the vista is reminiscent of a cityscape, with individual building components (large theater, studio space, multi-purpose room, etc.) expressed as separate volumes. On the exterior, a unifying curved battered wall made of poured in place concrete serves to enclose the main building and protects the interior from the extreme desert temperatures. Other portions of the roof are constructed of perforated metal to allow use of screened, natural light in appropriate spaces.
The Center is sheltered by an extensive and sculptural shed roof which serves as a memorable icon when viewed from the river area, passing aircraft, and the City of Tempe.
Tempe Center for the Arts was submitted by Barton Myers Associates and was last updated on May 18, 2010. You can learn more about Barton Myers Associates by visiting this website.
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