CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
FOREST THEATER FOUNDATION
PRE-DESIGN STUDY
MAY 7, 2007
R. F. McCANN & COMPANY ARCHITECTS
DESIGNING FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY SINCE 1976
WWW.RFMCO.NET
40 E. MONTECITO AVENUE
SIERRA MADRE / CA / 91024
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SECTION 1: MEADOW LAND CONCEPT & PERIMETER PARKINGFOREST THEATER AS OPEN SPACE PARK
Continuing and preserving the identity of Forest Theater as a park is a key component of Pre-Design. Sloping terrain toward the west creates a vista when the theater and park are approached from Mountain View Avenue or the lower end of Guadalupe Street.
It is proposed to create a landscape interest on the site with revitalization of the ground form, emphasizing notable trees that stand apart from smaller scale vegetation. The open space of the park is proposed to remain accessible to all. And therefore design is proposed that favors inviting the city into the landscape by routing pedestrian circulation both through the park as well as around it. As new pathways are planned and provided, original landform should be left intact.
Of significance is that composing infrastructure elements that define space within the site date from the 1930’s Works Progress Administration program (WPA), a federal program which put unemployed depression era workers back to work. East-West orientation of the mainstage structure and audience seating is the main character-defining feature for audience patrons. Views from all seats within the bench style seating form encounter the ocean beyond the stage (with minimal or no scenery on stage).
Walking up the proposed pedestrian paths approaching the theater, it has been considered important to intentionally reduce the scale of proposed walls and roofs in comparison with the stage structure, existing trees and perceived incline to destination points such as the proposed Visitor and Audience Center and the Workshop Theater under the mainstage.
Recommended criteria for design of open space within natural areas surrounding both existing and new structures on the site include:
a. Treating all structures as man-made works of art,
b. Detailing materials and construction based on the Arts and Craft Movement,
c. Creating balance between spatial use of turf, trees and water,
d. Maintain the use of vistas as the primary aesthetic organizing element,
e. Allow for planned sequential experiences along pedestrian circulation paths,
f. Separate traffic from the natural setting,
g. Provide inviting visitor accommodations and access for individuals with disabilities,
h. Plan new artistically composed low level and small scale plantings.
Briefly reviewing the rendered west half of proposed site development note that parking (35 stalls) in accordance with concepts noted above is provided along the south and west (lower edge) of the site at street level. Pedestrian paths are located about 2-feet above street level and lead toward the studio theater and Visitor and Audience Center. Along the perimeter pathway two main types of natural settings are proposed:
o Meadowland
o Woodland
Contrasting plant colors and textures are envisioned in each area.
1 comment:
From reading this study, it appears Richard McCann, AIA, is adamant about parking, or the majority of parking, being outside the Forest Theater grounds. While the concept may seem well-founded, it misses the point that the more an designer changes the original uses and looks of a place, the more it no longer is that place, but a different place. Will residents suppport a totally different conception and look for the Forest Theater along the lines of Richard McCann's design, that is the question.
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