| This study was conceived as an exploration into the planning and programming of university performing arts centers. The method of research included general readings relative to architectural programming, evaluations of performance facilities, and generic studies of theatre design. From this basis, a group of six buildings were chosen that represented a wide variety of arts center types. Included were the University of Arkansas, Fine Arts Center; East Texas State University, Performing Arts Center; Centre College of Kentucky, Regional Arts Center; Arizona State University, Grady Gammage Auditorium; State University of Iowa, Hancher Auditorium; and University of Illinois, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.;Each building in the study was closely examined and through an on-site visitation, interviews with present personnel, and discussions with the architects and other individuals involved in the planning, an extensive body of information was collected. Wherever possible, the original programming documents and minutes of planning committee meetings were studied, and in some cases, included as part of the text.;How a performing arts center program develops became the paramount issue in this study. First, the concept of an architectural program was defined, with references to the programs of each of the examples. Second, each individual program was discussed with regard to its origination, the direct and indirect influences that affected its development, and the specific goals that each program was written to achieve. Third, the particular details of each project, including space utilization, aesthetic considerations, and equipment preferences were discussed. In addition, those aspects of the programs that referred to administrative and organizational factors were examined.;Such issues as the composition of the planning committees, influence of clients, benefactors, ultimate building users, and architects on the programs, and the relationship of the program to the completed building were discussed at length. Wherever possible, the original program copy was cited, and the context of interviews with those involved in the buildings' planning or operation was used to illustrate the features of each of the six performing arts centers included as examples. Photocopies of programming documents were included for most of the projects, as an appendix. A series of drawings and photographs that describe each of the buildings was also included and referred to frequently in the text.;This study was intended to provide information to potential builders of performing arts centers. The final chapter summarizes the programming processes involved with each of the examples and then evaluates them, according to a few general guidelines derived by the author as a result of this study. These guidelines and evaluations were not intended as definitive solutions to the problems of performing arts center planning, but should serve as starting points, and perhaps bases of information for the development of future projects. |
