Kiplinger Theater, Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA

Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts and the 450-seat Kiplinger Theater opened in 1989. The facility was designed to house the theater, dance, and film programs at Cornell University. In addition to the theater, two smaller flat-floor performance spaces, classrooms, dance studios, rehearsal rooms, shops, film production studios, offices, and support spaces are included in the Center.

This proscenium theater has fixed seating on the main floor and two levels of balcony/boxes. The performance area features a full stagehouse with appropriate run-off and support spaces. The forestage of the proscenium is adaptable as a thrust stage or as an orchestra pit with electrically operated lift.

The site, which was very narrow and bordered along one side with a gorge, challenged the design team to develop the appropriate circulation necessary for a theater education building. The design team developed an arrangement whereby the public enters the building after first walking through a gorge-side loggia, and into a central lobby. A person approaching the Center has the option to walk indoors or outside. This is important, as Ithaca is known for strong winds, chilling temperatures, and deep snow. The major vertical and horizontal circulation routes are accessed from this lobby.

Artec provided Design and Planning services covering Pre-Design Phase services, Auditorium Design, Facility Planning, Specialized Performance Equipment Systems Design and Background Noise and Vibration Control consulting for the University. The architects for the Center were James Stirling and Michael Wilford of London, U.K.