Legislation was passed in 2014 allowing for the construction of a new performing arts venue on the land surrounding Onondaga Lake near Syracuse, New York, following a designation from the Environmental Protection Agency as a Superfund site. DLR Group|Weslake Reed Leskoksy’s design for the Onondaga Lakeview Amphitheater is rooted in an appreciation for the unique patron experience the site offers, and re-connects the citizens and visitors of the area to a vital natural resource. The scope of work for the project included 79,000 SF of new performance space with seating for 5,000 under cover and 12,500 on the lawn; nature trails; and an event center. Several key challenges, including a difficult site (capped industrial waste) and an accelerated schedule that required design and construction be completed in less than one year, drove material selection and construction methods around readily available resources to meet an aggressive deadline.
Visitors arrive for an event during the daylight and experience the venue and its performances through a transition to twilight, into the evening. The amphitheater's position and orientation maximize natural land contours and lake views while minimizing significant cut and fill. The forms, shaping of views, material and color palette, and lighting are designed to enhance patron perception of the ever-changing quality of the flow of light and space in and around the amphitheater.
Site circulation was designed to separate patronsfrom performer support access, while maintaining unobstructed views of the lake. A bicycle path was added to circumnavigate the entire lake and allow riders to pass directly through the pavilion, underscoring the site’s function as an open park. The use of native meadow grasses, which are biologically suitable for the underlying capped waste material, promote the wildlife habitat and guide patron circulation. Aesthetically, the amphitheater’s design utilizes simple iconic forms, echoing the rooflines and materiality of the region’sagrarian structures. Key design details enhance the visual and metaphoric connections to the lake, most notable of which is the pavilion fascia; when backlit it parallels the fall of light at dusk on the lake waves.
DLR Group|WRL provided integrated architecture and engineering (MEP and structural) design services as well as theater technical, audiovisual, lighting, and low voltage/IT design.
DLR Group acquired Westlake Reed Leskosky in September 2016. Today, the combined design expertise and resources of Westlake Reed Leskosky and DLR Group serve clients as a global, integrated design firm committed to elevating the human experience through design.
Material Used :
1. Hanover Architectural Products – Precast Pavers – Prest Pavers
2. Arborite – Plastic Laminate – P345
3. Laminart – Plastic Laminate – 5060T
4. Formica – Solid Surfacing Material – 601
5. Formica – Solid Surfacing Material – 9496
6. Hardie Panel – Fiber Cement Siding – Vertical Siding
7. Armstrong – Commercial Vinyl Tile – Striations BBT
8. Tandus | Centiva – Commercial Carpet – Publicolor by Suzanne Tick
9. Irwin Seating Company – Theatrical Seating – Solara
