In new stage for arts,design runs deep
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Whodunnit
Remnants of Municipal Auditorium shown in brown. Drawing adapted from LMN Architects submission to Historic and Design Review Commission, 2011. Hover on purple dots to see photographs.
How the Tobin Center was born
incident light
What’s where at the Tobin?
How to weave a mantilla
architecture
Municipal Auditorium west rotunda was renovated with bar area, new carpet inspired by dome.
Box office, at lower right in photo, is located between the main entry and the west rotunda. Original opening to second level was freshened with glass railings, discreet lighting in the vault above and white paint.
Restored facadeof Municipal Auditorium now serves as main entry to the Tobin Center.
Stairs to River Walk pass between Medal of Honor Walk (foreground) and outdoor venue with giant video screen.
Medal of Honor Walk, with bronze obelisks and ramp
RIver Walk Plaza outdoor performance venue during a recent concert, as seen from studio theater lobby.
Landscaped passage next to preserved west arcade of former Municipal Auditorium leads to Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater’s glass-enclosed entry pavilion.
Main lobby feratures curved wall of giant “tiles,” sweeping arc of upper lobby overhang and window to patrons lounge with its constantly changing pallette.
Stairs and elevator in entry pavilion (left) lead up to Alvarez Studio Theater lobby (below), or down to restrooms.
Alvarez Studio Theater walls are lined with dark teal acoustical panels — dark enough to approximate the “black box” that many theater companies favor.Here, the room is set up for a concert.
View of H-E-B Performance Hall from stage. Color and brightness of internally lighted balcony fronts can be varied and animated by computer.
Stage with anigre-veneer shell set up for orchestra — here, YOSA Philharmonic. Sound-absorbing curtains at upper right would normally be stowed for concerts.