Diller Scofidio + Renfro recently presented plans to restore the Kalita Humphreys Theater at the Dallas Theater Center (DTC) in Dallas. Originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this theater is the only freestanding theater in Wright’s body of work, DS+R said in a news release. “The Kalita Humphreys Theater is a mid-century architectural masterpiece in need of a thoughtful update after several generations of cultural, technological, and urban change,” says Kevin Moriarty, DTC’s artistic director.
“Over the years, a combination of neglect and additions have compromised the building’s integrity,” the release says. “Restoring the Kalita Humphreys Theater to its original state requires a multifaceted approach that involves surgical extraction, selective reconstruction, careful preservation, and faithful reinterpretation of Wright’s design intent.”
The design plan calls for removal of superfluous elements added over time, including the 1968 lobby extension that compromised the original massing of the building. Architectural details will be refurbished, including mid-century light fixtures, air grilles, door handles, window moldings, and furniture.
![Kalita Humphreys Theater Rendering Diller Scofidio + Renfro](/sites/default/files/inline-images/02_KHT%20Masterplan_DSR.jpg)
The building will undergo modernization including upgraded lighting, AV, stage infrastructure, and other back-of-house functions to improve flexibility for a wider range of performances. Seating will be re-raked to resemble the 1959 auditorium, but each row will be staggered to improve sightlines. A central information point and historical center in the campus lobby will orient and engage visitors.
The theater’s surrounding landscape will get a makeover to make the site more engaging throughout the day. Over the years, the bucolic setting has been fragmented by large parking lots and a tangle of roadways. Bluffs removed as part of the 1968 addition are irrecoverable, but a lightly reshaped landscape will echo the original topography. Invasive bamboo will be removed in favor of native grasses and shrubs, helping to control erosion and absorb runoff. Improved visual and physical linkages will provide connections to adjoining trails.
New courtyards and plazas, upper-level green roofs, a bosque, walkways, and a restaurant and café will be constructed. A 100-seat black box theater with a walkable ceiling grid and an operable façade will open onto one of the courtyards, creating an indoor/outdoor venue with flexible seating configurations. A multipurpose pavilion will offer a flexible infrastructure for formal and informal events, including public classes and workshops. More cellular spaces in the rehearsal and education ‘tower’ will house small, immersive productions.
Also on the project team:
Design Architect: Diller Scofidio + Renfro, (Partner-in-Charge: Charles Renfro)
Local Architect: BOKA Powell
Landscape Architects: Reed Hilderbrand
Historic Preservation: Harboe Architects
Structural Engineer: Robert Silman Associates
Civil & Traffic Engineer: Pacheco Koch
Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Engineer: Syska Hennessy Group
Construction Manager: Beck Construction
![Kalita Humphreys Theater Rendering Diller Scofidio + Renfro](/sites/default/files/inline-images/01_KHT%20Masterplan_DSR.jpg)
![Kalita Humphreys Theater Rendering Diller Scofidio + Renfro](/sites/default/files/inline-images/03_KHT%20Masterplan_DSR.jpg)
![Kalita Humphreys Theater Rendering Diller Scofidio + Renfro](/sites/default/files/inline-images/04_KHT%20Masterplan_DSR.jpg)
Related Stories
| May 17, 2013
First look: HKS' multipurpose stadium for Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA), the Minnesota Vikings and HKS Sports & Entertainment Group have unveiled the design of the State’s new multi? purpose stadium in Minneapolis, a major milestone in getting the $975 million stadium built on time and on budget.
| May 16, 2013
Chicago unveils $1.1 billion plan for DePaul arena, Navy Pier upgrades
Hoping to send a loud message that Chicago is serious about luring tourism and entertainment spending, Mayor Rahm Emanuel has released details of two initiatives that have been developing for more than a year and that it says will mean $1.1 billion in investment in the McCormick Place and Navy Pier areas.
| Apr 30, 2013
Tips for designing with fire rated glass - AIA/CES course
Kate Steel of Steel Consulting Services offers tips and advice for choosing the correct code-compliant glazing product for every fire-rated application. This BD+C University class is worth 1.0 AIA LU/HSW.
| Apr 24, 2013
Los Angeles may add cool roofs to its building code
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa wants cool roofs added to the city’s building code. He is also asking the Department of Water and Power (LADWP) to create incentives that make it financially attractive for homeowners to install cool roofs.
| Apr 2, 2013
6 lobby design tips
If you do hotels, schools, student unions, office buildings, performing arts centers, transportation facilities, or any structure with a lobby, here are six principles from healthcare lobby design that make for happier users—and more satisfied owners.
| Mar 29, 2013
PBS broadcast to highlight '10 Buildings That Changed America'
WTTW Chicago, in partnership with the Society of Architectural Historians, has produced "10 Builidngs That Changed America," a TV show set to air May 12 on PBS.
| Mar 22, 2013
8 cool cultural projects in the works
A soaring opera center in Hong Kong and a multi-tower music center in Calgary are among the latest cultural projects.
| Feb 25, 2013
10 U.S. cities with the best urban forests
Charlotte, Denver, and Milwaukee are among 10 U.S. cities ranked recently by the conservation organization American Forests for having quality urban forest programs.
| Feb 19, 2013
'Pop-up' proposal would create movable cultural venue for NYC
The Culture Shed, a proposed 170,000-sf project for New York City's Hudson Yards development, could be the ultimate in "pop-up" facilities.
| Feb 6, 2013
Arcadia (Calif.) High School opens $20 million performing arts center
A 60-year old wish for the community of Arcadia has finally come true with the opening of Arcadia Unified School District’s new $20 million Performing Arts Center.