weiss / manfredi: marshall family performing arts center

weiss / manfredi uses perforated brick on new performing arts center in dallas
image © albert večerka/esto

new york city-based firm weiss / manfredi have completed their first performing arts venue located in dallas, texas. ‘the marshall family performing arts center’ houses three performance spaces: a proscenium theater with a 65-foot-high fly loft, a state-of-the-art studio theater, and a light-filled dance/choral rehearsal room. measuring at 65,000-square-foot, the design has been approached with a constant dialogue between building and campus.

illuminated soffits and overhangs provide shade and support outdoor teaching
image © albert večerka/esto

the building’s configuration has established a transition of spaces that shape an outdoor courtyard and frame views out to the existing campus. a volume containing the dance and rehearsal space cantilevers out the building to form an overhang that provides shade and support for outdoor teaching and the entrance. meanwhile, the patterned print on the glass envelope produces an interesting play of light and shadow-outside onto the courtyard and into the large atrium.

conceived as an ascending gallery of collaborative spaces, the lobby connects all the performance venues and creates a destination for informal performances and spontaneous interactions. the multi-purpose proscenium theater includes a fly loft with the studio theater seating up to 150 people. additionally, the digital film and video production lab extends the performing arts into new virtual territories.

the profile of the building emerges from the topography of the site
image © albert večerka/esto

the dramatic profile of the building emerges from the topography of the site and continuously ascends to reach the fly tower for the theater. the exterior brick complements chromatically with the materials of the rest of the campus. ultimately, weiss / manfredi uses architecture to shape and give measure to the performing arts center’s commitment to teaching, performance, and production across the boundaries of individual performing arts disciplines.

one of the rehearsal spaces inside the greenhill school, a preparatory school outside of dallas
image © albert večerka/esto

the perforated detail on the main staircase
image © albert večerka/esto