David M. Schwarz Architects has completed the Smith Center for the Performing Artsin Las Vegas.
Several physical details of the Hoover Dam provided inspiration for the design of the 358,000-sf Smith Center, including the massing and articulation of its water intake towers; the care taken with concrete, stone and terrazzo finishes; the incorporation of art, iconography and ornamentation on both the exterior and interior; and the aspiration to create a timeless structure that lasts for many generations beyond its creators.
Sited at the heart of 61 acres of environmentally remediated and reclaimed rail yards, The Smith Center accommodates multiple venues for a broad range of performance genres and events.
The 2,050-seat Reynolds Hall with its dramatic stage, stunning balconies, and full orchestra pit will host orchestra, opera, dance, Broadway and first-run touring attractions from around the world. The Boman Pavilion is home to more intimate musical and drama settings, including Cabaret Jazz and the Troesh Studio Theater, plus classrooms, offices and ground level retail. The Pavilion overlooks Symphony Park, a 1.7-acre outdoor venue, which will host performances and events, and other entertainment gatherings.
Additionally, The Smith Center will be the first major multi-purpose performance center in the U.S. to earn Silver LEED certification. BD+C
Related Stories
| Jun 18, 2014
Largest Passive House structure in the U.S. to be built in Oregon
Orchards at Orenco, a 57-unit affordable housing complex in Hillsboro, Oregon, is the first of a three-phase, three-building complex.
| Jun 18, 2014
SOM's twisting tower wins design competition for Sweden's tallest skyscraper
The skyscraper, which will reach 230 meters and is named Polstjärnan, or "The Pole Star," is to be built in Gothenburg, Sweden.
| Jun 18, 2014
Study shows walkable urbanism has positive economic impact
Walkable communities have a higher GDP, greater wealth, and higher percentages of college grads, according to a new study by George Washington University.
| Jun 18, 2014
Ware Malcomb names Sorensen Engineering Regional Manager
New hire will oversee firm's civil engineering practice in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Irvine.
| Jun 18, 2014
JLG Architects hires 31 to keep up with 'shale gale' work
Construction boom fueled by 'shale gale' brings rapid growth to North Dakota firm.
| Jun 18, 2014
Arup uses 3D printing to fabricate one-of-a-kind structural steel components
The firm's research shows that 3D printing has the potential to reduce costs, cut waste, and slash the carbon footprint of the construction sector.
| Jun 18, 2014
Architecture Billings Index shows increase in design activity
The American Institute of Architects reported that the May ABI score was 52.6, up sharply from a mark of 49.6 in April. This score reflects an increase in design activity.
| Jun 17, 2014
Must see: If music were architecture in 27 illustrations
From Miles Davis to Björk to Manu Chao to Bach, Babina visualizes how these sounds will look like if they were visible in the form of architecture.
| Jun 17, 2014
Nation's largest Thai Buddhist temple opens near Boston
The $60 million facility built in honor of King Rama IX of Thailand is the largest Thai Buddhist temple outside of Thailand.
| Jun 17, 2014
U.S. Census report examines why Americans move
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 35.9 million people moved between 2012 and 2013, meaning that 11.7% of the U.S. population moved in one year. The report seeks to examine why.
