Auditorium NavCenter Options |
| This
explores the use of the Cincinnati VA Center Auditorium
as a NavCenter space - one of many in the network
now being built [link].
This is NavCenter is intended as a step to the NavCenter
already designed to go on the 8th floor roof at the
south end of the building [link].
If the Auditorium facility, after construction of
the roof top (called PROSPECT) is constructed,
remains in operation or is to be moved to another
location is a question. Pro and con arguments will
be developed below. It may be that this cannot be
determined prior to being put into operation. The
best strategy may be to build well so as to look
substantial and permanent while also building so
that relocation
is still practical. |
| Both
the Auditorium and the adjacent outdoor space off
the Chapel are places of high potential. The Auditorium
was well done and establishes a geometry that any
new work must be sensitive to and build on. The courtyard
formed by the shape of the existing buildings and
facing West is one of the nicest outdoor
spaces
on the
Campus.
Whatever
option,
as described below, is chosen, three criteria are
paramount: the design must build on and enhance
the amenity that already exists within the
existing Auditorium and Courtyard; whatever is build
must look substantial and not “speak” impermanence;
the space must be developed so that multiple processes
and uses are supported and so that the full range
of re-use is possible without significant loss of
the capital investment. |
Option
#1
Build
a basic, one level, RDS NavCenter
that “folds up” to allow other uses
of
the space
and that will be moved to another
location as soon as PROSPECT is built. |
Option
#2
Build
a basic, two level, RDS NavCenter
that partially “folds up” to
allow some other uses of the space
and that will be moved to another
location as soon as PROSPECT is
built.
|
Option
#3
Build
a substantial, two level, NavCenter
that uses maximum Auditorium
space only, is kept exclusive
for NavCenter activities
and is capable of full NavCenter
program elements serving up to
50 to 60 people. Developing the
Courtyard is an option. While substantial,
this work can be re-purposed and
or moved.
|
Option
#4
Build
a substantial, two level, NavCenter
that uses maximum Auditorium space
and develops the rooms off of
Corridor 8-1-8 and above the hallway
if the space is available, is kept
exclusive for NavCenter activities
and is capable of full NavCenter
program elements serving up to
60 to 75 people. In this option,
the Courtyard would be developed.
This Option to be based on the
design assumption that the facility
would remain in use after PROSPECT
is built - either re-purposed or
in conjunction with the 8th-9th
floor facility.
|
Option
#5
Build
a substantial, two level, NavCenter
that uses maximum Auditorium space
and develops the rooms off of Corridor
8-1-8 and above the hallway if
the space is available, is kept
exclusive for NavCenter activities
and is capable of full NavCenter
program elements serving up to
75 to 100 people. In this option,
the Courtyard would be developed,
as well as, partially enclosed
to provide more interior space.
This Option to be based on the
design
assumption
that the
facility
would remain in use after PROSPECT
is built - either re-purposed or
in conjunction with the 8th-9th
floor facility; or as a completely
stand alone facility.
|
|
|
| There
is clearly a time and cost spread between these five
options. However, due to the configuration of the
existing construction, the increase in cost in
comparison to the increase in capability and capacity
between Options #3, #4 and #5 actually make
an increasingly better investment. |
|
“As
Is” Conditions
for full screen views click on pictures |
 |
Floor
Plan showing existing Auditorium, Chapel and potential
courtyard area. These are well thought out and striking
spaces.
|
|
 |
| View
of the original stage with is no longer functional
having been converted into storage areas. This
can be utilized as a multi-screen
projection system to great effect. The ceiling
height and moldings within the space make a
high “armature” that can be employed to create
a “space
within a space” layout. New work has to pay attention
to these elements. |
|
 |
| The
scale of these architectural moldings is perfect
for the volume of the room. This is a feature to
enhance and build on. The space has great dignity. |
|
 |
| Potentially,
a great display wall here. Must be done in a way
that the “wall” is not lost but augmented. |
|
 |
| The
proportions of this space are such that the acoustics
should be very good. It looks like there was once
a balcony over what is now the hallway which I
suspect was “cut” in recent times. |
|
 |
| The
(potential) “courtyard” between the original building,
the Chapel addition can be developed into both
indoor and outdoor areas that will extend the functionality
of the NavCenter. |
|
| It
can be seen that the quality of the space, the design
and construction is such that any of the five options
outlined above can be justified. The question is
what fits the Program best. There are a number of
factors
that can impact this decision. If something like
the scope of Option #5 is selected, there can be
a synergist relationship between the Chapel, Kitchen,
Conference Room and NavCenter uses. Learning, collaborative
design and recreational events can be both provided
and integrated. PROSPECT (on the 8th/9th
floor) is sized and designed for collaborative design
only. This
is legitimate given requirements. It is not an either/or
choice, however. The expedient move of using the
Auditorium as a temporary NavCenter can have useful
multi-use implications in the long term. As example,
the NavCenter will have world class multimedia
capability
and the existing proscenium arch lends itself to
a great projection
system. What might be the recreational possibilities
for a 3,000 square foot, counting a 700 sq/ft loft,
“house?” |
|
link:
INDEX of Relevant Materials
|
Matt
Taylor
Nashville
January 22, 2004
|
SolutionBox
voice of this document:
INSIGHT • POLICY • PROGRAM
|
posted:
January 22, 2004
revised:
January 29, 2004
• 20040122.318780.mt • 20040129.561221.mt
•
(note:
this document is about 5% finished)
Copyright© Matt
Taylor 2003, 2004
|
|
|
