2002

The black box theatre is intended to be a sophisticated and signature addition to the campus quad, providing a flexible performance environment where the range from classics to avant-garde pieces may be staged. Connection, via a prefunction lobby, is made to the Dining Hall at Dascomb to allow for large receptions. A pondside walkway leads from the theatre to the parking lot west of the quad. Backstage actor support areas are set below grade.

The visual strength of the new theatre building will drive forward the future remodeling of the existing Dascomb Hall. The design of the facility preserves the existing pedestrian pathways through the commons.

A roof top reception garden, accessed by elevator from the theatre lobby, or by the glass clad stir along the reflecting pool at the exterior is included to take advantage of the central campus vista. In the design of this garden environment, the intention is to provide both a gathering place and a place of quiet and meditation.

In concept, the theatre structure, a simple cubic form rendered in light stone and translucent glass, grows organically from a reflecting pond set slightly below the level of the surrounding quad in a garden berm. Surrounding the curving water and garden environment, an esplanade of benches provides a natural gathering place. The entirety, integrated in plan with Dascomb Hall, forms a refined southern edge to the quad and allows the greater portion of the west green to remain as open space. Support spaces occupy a copper clad volume to the south.

The Theatre will include multiple control locations for lighting, latest generation sound controllers and lighting instruments, plus a lighting grid set 30’ above the performance floor. All the necessary backstage and support spaces are provided according to the latest thinking in these areas.

VIEW OBERLIN COLLEGE BLACK BOX THEATRE ANIMATION

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