Bora Architecture & Interiors

Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center

Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
© Timothy Hursley

WAGNER NOËL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Bora Architects + Rhotenberry Wellen Architects

CATEGORY
Performing Arts Center

CIVIL ENGINEER
Landgraf, Crutcher, and Associates

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
KDC Associates

YEAR
2011

AREA
109130 ft²

LOCATION
United States

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Walter P. Moore & Associates

PHOTOGRAPHS
Timothy Hursley

MEP ENGINEER
Shah Smith & Associates

MANUFACTURERS
Jezet Seating Ltd., Milliken, Texas Scenic, Texastone Quarries, LLC., Theater Solutions, Wegner Corporation

Text description provided by architect.

The Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center is a performing arts facility for the West Texas Permian Basin region.

Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
© Timothy Hursley
Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
© Timothy Hursley

Equidistant from the cities of Midland and Odessa on a satellite campus of University of Texas of the Permian Basin, the 109,000-­‐square foot center is the result of a partnership between the University and both communities.

The architectural design is rooted in the landscape of West Texas, inspired by its geologic strata, spare desert landscape, and endless skies.

Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
© Timothy Hursley
Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
© Timothy Hursley

From the underlying strata, in a series of folded planes and stacked forms, the building appears to emerge. The main volume is clad in indigenous rough-­‐hewn limestone block, sourced from a quarry near the site.

Evoking the nature and weight of geologic compression, the block pattern tightens and scales down as it nears the ground.

Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
© Timothy Hursley
Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
© Timothy Hursley

Reflecting the vast Texas sky, the taller building forms are clad with stainless steel panels. Blending with its surroundings during the day, the building is a glowing beacon at night, visible for miles.

Inside the lobby, thick sculptural walls suggest spaces carved from solid rock. A wide staircase connects the three stories with fluid views between levels.

Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
© Timothy Hursley
Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
© Timothy Hursley

The main hall seats 1800, has programmable ceiling lights, and is organized to create intimacy for audiences of varying size

Variable acoustic elements include a demountable orchestra shell, a retractable acoustic canopy and adjustable acoustic drapery.

Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
© Timothy Hursley
Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
© Timothy Hursley

The recital hall features telescopic riser seating and acoustical curtains that convert the room from an event space for a reception into a performance space.

Building systems are optimized for the region’s climate. Oriented toward the north, windows and skylights are sited to avoid heat gain.

Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
© Timothy Hursley
Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
© Timothy Hursley

Native plants, bioswales and low-­‐flow fixtures help conserve water, while displacement ventilation and daylight-­‐sensing lighting controls reduce energy use.


Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
Sections


Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
Plans 1
Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
Plans 2


Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
Courtesy of Bora Architects
Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
Courtesy of Bora Architects


Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
Detail
Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
Site Plan

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