Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods in Columbia, Md., has recently received an outdoor performance venue that may be the most eye-catching aspect of the entire park. The “Chrysalis” is a bright green 5,000-sf performance space that includes a stage under a steel and aluminum-shingled shell.
Designed by MARC FORNES/THEVERYMANY with Living Design Lab as the architect of record, the Chrysalis makes use of a series of complex curves and arched openings to provide sightlines to the forest beyond. Arup, which provided theatrical and lighting design, and structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering services, used 3D modeling to address some of the challenges the project presented.
Arup evaluated the siting of the pavilion to optimize sightlines for the audience. Wind tunnel tests helped to determine the design of the structure’s galvanized steel beyond the building and tunable LED lighting was designed to help animate the structure and emphasize its form. Acoustic studies helped to achieve optimal sound performance inside and outside of the structure.
The Build Team also consisted of specialty design-builder A. Zahner Company; steel fabricator and installer Walters Group; and general contractor Whiting-Turner Construction Company.
The Chrysalis officially opened on April 22.
Related Stories
Resiliency | Aug 19, 2021
White paper outlines cost-effective flood protection approaches for building owners
A new white paper from Walter P Moore offers an in-depth review of the flood protection process and proven approaches.
Performing Arts Centers | Aug 10, 2021
Redesigned Frost Amphitheater completes, opens at Stanford University
CAW Architects designed the project.
![Oceanographer John Englander talks resiliency and buildings [new on HorizonTV]](/sites/default/files/styles/list_big/public/Oceanographer%20John%20Englander%20Talks%20Resiliency%20and%20Buildings%20YT%20new_0.jpg?itok=enJ1TWJ8 "Oceanographer John Englander talks resiliency and buildings [new on HorizonTV]")
Resiliency | Jun 24, 2021
Oceanographer John Englander talks resiliency and buildings [new on HorizonTV]
New on HorizonTV, oceanographer John Englander discusses his latest book, which warns that, regardless of resilience efforts, sea levels will rise by meters in the coming decades. Adaptation, he says, is the key to future building design and construction.
Digital Twin | May 24, 2021
Digital twin’s value propositions for the built environment, explained
Ernst & Young’s white paper makes its cases for the technology’s myriad benefits.
Market Data | Feb 24, 2021
2021 won’t be a growth year for construction spending, says latest JLL forecast
Predicts second-half improvement toward normalization next year.
Performing Arts Centers | Feb 23, 2021
The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences opens
Diamond Schmitt designed the project, which is named for Lubbock native Buddy Holly.
Giants 400 | Dec 16, 2020
Download a PDF of all 2020 Giants 400 Rankings
This 70-page PDF features AEC firm rankings across 51 building sectors, disciplines, and specialty services.
Giants 400 | Dec 3, 2020
2020 Cultural Facilities Giants: Top architecture, engineering, and construction firms in the U.S. cultural facilities sector
AECOM, Arup, and Populous head BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest cultural facilities sector architecture, engineering, and construction firms, as reported in the 2020 Giants 400 Report.
AEC Tech | Nov 12, 2020
The Weekly show: Nvidia's Omniverse, AI for construction scheduling, COVID-19 signage
BD+C editors speak with experts from ALICE Technologies, Build Group, Hastings Architecture, Nvidia, and Woods Bagot on the November 12 episode of "The Weekly." The episode is available for viewing on demand.
Performing Arts Centers | Aug 31, 2020
Reopening campus performance arts centers
Live productions, which offer students the opportunity to hone their skills with true audience feedback, currently pose health risks for students and faculty.
