Fuse Performing Arts Center

Site Analysis:

Urban Context:

Downtown Redlands features a well-preserved historic core with numerous buildings dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The area is defined by a traditional grid street pattern centered around State Street and Orange Street, creating a walkable environment with a human scale that supports pedestrian activity.

Architectural Character:

The district showcases a diverse collection of architectural styles including Victorian, Mission Revival, Art Deco, and Classical Revival. Brick facades, decorative cornices, and ornate details contribute to a cohesive historic aesthetic. The Fox Theater, A.K. Smiley Public Library, and the Santa Fe Depot stand as iconic landmarks anchoring the downtown identity.

Public Spaces:

The central plaza at Ed Hales Park provides a gathering space for events and casual use, while tree-lined streets offer shade and visual interest. Sidewalk cafes and parklets have expanded the public realm, though there are opportunities for additional green spaces and pedestrian amenities.

Parti Diagram

Concept Sketch

Concept Model

Concept Statement:

Fuse Performing Arts Center is inspired by conflation as Redlands actively aims to preserve its historic buildings while taking steps to merge into the future. Located in the heart of the city of Redlands, this Performance Arts Center fuses the new and historic parts of Redlands. Fuse PAC engages all its visitors, both new and antecedent residents, with its wandering paths that allow them to determine their path of travel from the more open spaces to the more intimate, thus allowing them to have a distinct experience every time they visit. Fuse PAC aims to create a sense of community by providing shared common spaces that create great spaces for its users to gather.

Space Planning Diagram:

Top Bar Chart: This shows the relative size and classification of spaces by function. Spaces are color-coded as:

Yellow: Public spaces (Proscenium Theater, Black Box Theater)
Red: Semi-public spaces (Meeting Rooms, Classrooms, Studios, etc.)
Blue: Private/Back of House spaces (Box Office, Gallery, etc.)

Bubble Diagram: Depicts spatial relationships and adjacencies between key program elements. It shows:

Three main performance venues: Thrust Theater, Proscenium Theater, and Black Box Theater (in yellow)
Central Lobby (in blue) connecting these spaces with public amenities like Cafe and Gallery
Support spaces (in red) including Storage, Workshops, and Meeting Rooms
Backstage facilities (in blue) positioned strategically near each theater
Dashed lines indicating important connections between spaces

Volumetric Diagrams: The massing study at the bottom right shows how these programmatic elements might translate into building volumes, with the same color coding carried through.

Floor Plans

Legend:

1. Proscenium Theater

2. Green Room

3. Mechanical Room

4. Dressing Room

5. Makeup Room

6. Scene Storage

7. Stage Workshop

8. Costume Workshop

9. Workshop Foreman Office

10. Closet/Storage

11. Office

12. Stage Loading

13. Admin. Office

14. Storage

15. Admin. Office

16. Studio/Classroom Stage

17. Amphitheater Green Room

18. Amphitheater + Stage

19. Sound/Lighting Booth

20. Black Box Theater

21. Admin. Office

22. Cafe

23. Grand Lobby

24. Box Office

25. Open Gallery Space

26. Ground Floor Back of House Loading

27. Meeting Rooms/ Community Classrooms/ Studios

Parametric Sound Panel Design

This system uses algorithmic design to create acoustically optimized panels that are both functional and visually appealing.

The design addresses specific sound requirements throughout the theater. The panels vary in depth, perforation patterns, and material properties to create zones for reflection, absorption, and diffusion of sound waves.

Visually, the panels form a flowing surface across the theater walls and ceiling, maintaining a neutral backdrop for performances. The modular mounting system allows for precise installation and future adjustments based on acoustic testing.

Theater Materials

Wood - naturally enhances mid-range frequencies, adding richness and warmth to vocal performances

Diffusion capabilities: When shaped with varied surface geometries, wood effectively scatters sound waves, reducing echo without deadening the space.

Guilford of Maine FR701 - Industry standard acoustic fabric, available in numerous colors with fire-resistant properties

High NRC Rating: Offers a Noise Reduction Coefficient typically between 0.75 - 0.90.

Carpet - offers numerous advantages in theater settings that extend beyond just aesthetics

Sound absorption: Carpet significantly reduces reverberation time and echo, creating clearer sound throughout the space. Minimizes footfall noise during performances and audience movement.

Visual warmth: Creates a more inviting, premium atmosphere.

North Elevation

Section

Exterior Materials:

Red Brick

Historical context: Harmonizes with downtown Redlands' existing historic brick buildings, creating visual continuity
Sense of permanence: Communicates stability and cultural importance appropriate for a civic arts institution
Aging quality: Develops character over time while maintaining structural integrity
Thermal mass: Helps regulate interior temperatures in Redlands' warm climate, improving energy efficiency
Acoustic properties: Natural density helps block external noise from entering performance spaces

Stucco

Climate resilience: Performs well in Redlands' hot, dry climate with minimal maintenance
Design flexibility: Can create both textured and smooth finishes to contrast with brick elements
Color adaptability: Allows for custom pigmentation to complement the brick portions
Cost-effectiveness: Provides economical coverage for larger wall areas
Sculptural potential: Can be formed into curved or complex surfaces that might be difficult with brick