watch: diller scofidio + renfro’s restoration proposal for frank lloyd wright theater in texas
kalita humphreys theater makover by diller scofidio + renfro
Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R) has recently shared new visuals and a detailed fly-through animation depicting a full restoration proposal for the Kalita Humphreys Theater in Dallas, Texas. Originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the mid-century complex sits within a large public green park, in a disused shape. Indeed, years of accumulated neglect and additions to the 1959-designed theater have drowned out its architectural integrity, making it one of Frank Llyod Wright’s most overlooked creations.
In light of this, DS+R launched a complete revitalization plan to thoughtfully restore the theater to its original glory. Taking on a multifaceted approach, the proposal relies on four essential actions: ‘surgical extraction, selective reconstruction, careful preservation, and faithful reinterpretation of Wight’s design intent. […].While it is appreciated for its synthesis with nature, by the same token, it has never been truly celebrated as a standalone Frank Lloyd Wright building. The proposed makeover addresses this paradox,’ writes DS+R.
all images © Diller Scofidio + Renfro
a four-step and multifaceted restoration
The first phase of DS+R‘s four-step restoration plan focuses on surgically restoring the Kalita Humphreys Theater building without straying too far away from Wright’s initial design. On the one hand, the team will eliminate ‘excess’ like the 1968 lobby extension while carefully restoring mid-century details, including light fixtures, air grilles, door handles, window moldings, and furniture.
On the other hand, ‘in order to safeguard the future of Kalita Humphreys, the project must not only restore but also renovate the theater to support the needs of contemporary artists and audiences. Upgraded lighting, AV, stage infrastructure, and other back of house functions will provide much-needed flexibility for a wider range of performances. Seating will be re-raked to resemble the 1959 auditorium, but each row will be staggered to significantly improve sightlines. A central information point and historical center in the campus lobby will orient and engage visitors,’ explains DS+R.
outdoor performance venue
The following steps involve transforming the surrounding public green spaces into an authentic park and outdoor arts complex, active all year round. The green hub will also link to Turtle Creek and the Katy Trail, one of the most visited spots in Dallas. Program-wise, visitors will enjoy an outdoor performance venue, two pavilions, and a 100-seat black box theater with a walkable ceiling grid and an operable facade, both opening onto one of the courtyards. ‘Collectively, these and other enhancements will allow the theater to host more productions while honoring the beauty and integrity of Frank Lloyd Wright’s design,’ concludes DS+R.
master plan axonometric view
remaining faithful to the original, 1959-designed architecture
100-seat theater box
new spaces for social interactions
project info:
name: Kalita Humphreys Theater Masterplan
location: Dallas, Texas
client: The Dallas Theater Center
architecture: Diller Scofidio and Renfro (DS+R) | @diller_scofidio_renfro
partner in charge: Charles Renfro
partners: Elizabeth Diller, Ricardo Scofidio, Benjamin Gilmartin
project leaders: Kevin Rice, Andrea Schelly
project team: Fareez Giga, Kaitlin Faherty, Graysen Maxwell Babbitt, Lauren Ma
local architect: BOKA Powell
landscape architect: Reed Hildebrand
construction manager: The Beck Group
historic preservation: Harboe Architects
structural engineer: Robert Silman Associates
civil & traffic engineer: Pacheco Koch
mechanical, electrical & plumbing engineer: Syska Hennessy Group
theater consultant: Fisher Dachs Associates
accoustics / audio-visual: Threshold Acoustics LLC
accessibility: Access by Design
