The recent past, present, and near future of variable volume auditoria for the performing arts—Three generations 1965–1985

Abstract

Ten projects selected from the author's consulting practice are analyzed with the help of graphics in plan, longitudinal perspective section and transverse section, and photographs of completed projects. The paper is divided into three sections. The First Generation: Initial attempt at integration of massive electromotively driven structures with control logic. Vertically displaced modular panel arrays. (Jesse Jones Hall, Houston, Texas, 1966.) The Second Generation: Sophistication of structure and control logic. Vertically displaced and hinged rigid structural and catenary cable supported randomized panel arrays. (McCain Auditorium, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, 1971; O'Shaughnessy Auditorium, St. Catherine's College, St. Paul, Minnesota, 1971; Viterbo College Auditorium, La Crosse, Wisconsin, 1971; Edwin Thomas Hall for the Performing Arts, Akron University, Akron, Ohio, 1973.) The Third Generation: The sophistication of fooling eye but not the ear and the building budget crunch. Vertical displaced—logic controlled thin‐skinned contiguous structures, down light fields, and massive absorption manipulation. (Civic Auditorium, El Paso, Texas, 1974; DeVos Hall, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1980; Two low‐cost performing arts halls: St. Anselm's College, Manchester, New Hampshire, 1981; University of South Carolina at Aiken, South Carolina, 1982; Performing Arts Hall University of South Carolina at Columbia, South Carolina, 1985.)