Brown University Black Box Theater

Black Box Theater, in Site Model, 1/8 Scale

Black Box Theater, Elevation of Theater Library

Black Box Theater Site Plan, Providence, RI

Black Box Theater, Ground Floor Plan

Black Box Theater, East Elevation

Black Box Theater, South Elevation

Black Box Theater Site, Providence, RI

Black Box Theater Site, from South Main Street, Providence, RI

Tectonic Study

Concept Sketch

Study Model, Black Box Theater

Ground Floor

First Level, Public Path & Theater

Second Level Public Path, Theater & Mezzanine

Black Box Theater, Mezzanine and Balcony

Black Box Theater, Roof Plan & Public Path

Black Box Theater, Public Path

Watercolor, Black Box Theater from South Main Street

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PROGRAM

The Black Box Theater for Brown University was conceived to provide collaboration with the creative community at Rhode Island School of Design. Brown is situated uphill from the RISD campus, and our site, on a steeply inclined slope, was sandwiched between commercial and residential buildings. The theater must provide an arena, thrust, and proscenium formats as well as 200-300 seats. In addition, twenty-four hour pedestrian access was required through the site from South Main Street to Benefit Street.

RESPONSE

My design responded to the existing slope and massive retaining wall of the site. The tectonic movement of land and the force of mass on a steep slope were key elements of the design. After studying precedents in theater design and photographing small-scale tectonic movement in Providence, tectonic shifting became the basis for elements in the program such as passages, balcony seating, tiered floors, and a strong exterior path