Toronto – The repurposing of the Toronto Centre for the Arts has won an award for creating an intimate, state-of-the-art environment for live theatre. The Main Stage Reconfiguration Project transforms the existing auditorium into two venues - the 580-seat proscenium Lyric Theatre with a new stage, and a 300-seat flexible ‘black box’. This unusual project called for a signature design feature that would effectively rearrange the proscenium, provide a distinct identity for the Centre and enhance the theatrical experience. An innovative solution that addresses all three objectives is a system of lightweight architectural acoustic panels in bold geometric patterns that enwrap the audience and define the new proscenium. The repurposing won the Achievement Award in the small project category from the Toronto Construction Association at their 149th annual conference. Diamond Schmitt Architects and constructor Gillam Group Inc. were acknowledged. The award pays tribute to projects that “raise the bar in terms of professional excellence,” said the Toronto Construction Association. “The reconfiguration represents a sustainable design solution in that every effort was made to preserve and incorporate elements of the existing theatre, while at the same time, dramatically altering its appearance and functionality,” said Gary McCluskie, Principal, with Toronto-based Diamond Schmitt Architects. Renovations to create the Lyric Theatre involved designing a new stage complete with wings and an overhead truss with motorized rigging for technical support. The existing rake of orchestra and balcony seating was adjusted to the geometry of new sightlines for the shorter viewing distance to the stage. “Programmable LED-lights within chevron-shaped fabric panels can augment the mood of a performance and allow for new forms of creative expression by being able to envelope the entire room in color washing that is responsive to the dramaturgy,” added McCluskie. The 300-seat Greenwin Theatre occupies the stage of the previous configuration, taking advantage of the dramatic 90-foot height of the fly-tower for use in theatrical productions. Retractable seating addsversatility to the space, which can also function as an open-floor studio.

“By working with as much of the existing framework as possible, the challenge to repurpose the facility and create two distinct, sound-isolated theatrical environments with innovative solutions was achieved on a relatively modest budget,” McCluskie said.

Lightweight architectural acoustic panels in bold geometric patterns envelop the audience at the award winning re-purposing of the Toronto Centre of the Arts.

In total, over 3000 square feet of an acoustical backlit panel system wraps the theatre walls and proscenium. A unique chevron design, alternating diffusing and reflecting backers and integrated lighting provide a custom panel system that addresses both acoustic requirements while providing limitless possibilities for programmable light shows.

Renovations included a new stage complete with wings and an overhead truss with motorized rigging for technical support. The existing rake of orchestra and balcony seating was adjusted to the geometry of new sightlines for the shorter viewing distance to the stage.

The reconfiguration represents a sustainable design solution in that every effort was made to preserve and incorporate elements of the existing theatre, while at the same time altering its appearance and functionality.

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Diamond Schmitt provided their extensive expertise in theatre design to the renovation of this arts center. Built over 20 years ago, the underused main theatre was reduced in size and upgraded to create a more efficient facility. Eventscape was contracted to engineer, fabricate and install over 3000 square feet of an acoustical backlit panel solution that wrapped the theatre walls and proscenium. A unique chevron design, alternating diffusing and reflecting backers and integrated lighting provided a custom panel system that solved both acoustic requirements and allowed unlimited possibilities in creating a programmable light show. Eventscape was also contracted to reupholster over 500 theatre seats that fill the theatre.

The designers at Diamond Schmitt contacted the Eventscape team with the initial model and concept of the renovated theatre. The general contractor was responsible for providing the structural base building support system of columns and vertical supports. Eventscape conducted an initial site survey to detail all the support structure connection points on the entire theatre space from floor to the 55 ft ceiling height. Eventscape then engineered and designed a coordinating zigzag hanging “rail” system, with an innovative vertical and horizontal adjustment system to accommodate tolerances on site. This rail system would ultimately control the placement of each of the chevron enclosure assemblies so that the overall aesthetic was achieved with perfect configuration.