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Specialties:  Performing Arts

BLOSSOM MUSIC CENTER
Summer Home of the Cleveland Orchestra

The program was an outdoor amphitheater for summer performances of the Cleveland Orchestra and other musical events, sited in a rural, hilly area midway between the two metropolitan audience bases, Cleveland and Akron. Based on intensive study of other solutions (Tanglewood, Ravinia) and taking advantages of the sloping grass “bowl” nested centrally on the site, the architect designed a singular pavilion at the base of the bowl to accommodate an audience of 5000 under one roof. (Thirteen thousand additional persons can be seated on the lawn.) The structure is supported by 21 long-span welded steel pipe trusses. The longest trusses span 175 feet and cantilever another 28 feet to provide a covered curved promenade, sheltering patrons from inclement weather. The roof trusses rest on a huge inclined arch which bears on two underground footings and is supported by 10 sloping, double-tapered steel columns outside and free of the pavilion itself, permitting unobstructed views of the stage from all seats.

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Ancillary facilities are directly underneath the stage (locker rooms, storage rooms, rehearsal rooms, and recording areas) and in a concrete, earth-sheltered structure connected to the pavilion by a covered passage (music library; areas for the music director, associates and guest artists; and the green room).

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This arrangement provides for privacy, sound insulation, and ease of access. It also permits the “hall” to be expressed as a strong, clear shape.

At present, the grounds provide parking for 4000+ cars as well as for buses. Adjacent to the main entrance are the box offices, administrative facilities, gift shop, and an intimate art gallery for temporary exhibits. The center also includes a covered open-air restaurant, picnic shelters, concession areas and restrooms, conveniently accessed via curving pedestrian paths which also accommodate motorized trams. These areas are adjacent to the 

pavilion, but sufficiently removed so as not to disrupt performances. The buildings are vernacular in design, blending weathered natural cedar into the green backdrop of the landscape.

Awards:
AIA 25- Year Building Award - AIA Ohio
Bridge Award - Ohio Prestressed Concrete Association
Architectural Award of Excellence - American Institute of Steel Construction
Award of Merit - Architects Society of Ohio

Publications:
La Technique des Travaux, January-February 1975, pp. 17-22
“Bricks, Mortar and the Performing Arts” (background paper)

Location: Northampton Township, Ohio
Firm’s Responsibility: Architecture: 100%
Area: 800 acres
Construction Cost: $6,700,000

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