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Specialties:
Performing Arts
BLOSSOM MUSIC CENTER
Summer Home of the Cleveland Orchestra
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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
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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.
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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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