The five entries which will go on to the second phase of Münster, Germany's Kulturforum Westfalen Architectural Competition have been announced! In this next round, each team will hold design development sessions with representatives of the City of Münster and Artec, leading to a final adjudication later in 2004.

The five entries were developed by:

Detlev Buhlke - Martin Kuhn, Dortmund, Germany
Königs Architekten, Köln, Germany
Ortner & Ortner Baukunst, Düsseldorf, Germany
Schmidt und Kunzemann Architekten, Kenzingen, Germany
Architekturbüro [lu:p], Grub am Forst, Germany

The Kulturforum Westfalen complex will be comprised of a Musikhalle building (a 1600-seat concert hall, 400-seat flexible theatre and associated facilities) and a separate Museum building situated in front of the historic and picturesque Schlossplatz.

Artec is providing Arts Facility Design and Planning Services for the Musikhalle portion of this project which include auditorium design services (acoustics and theatre planning) with basic design; theatre planning services for artist support, technical support and audience areas; performance (theatre) equipment consulting services; and sound & communication systems design consulting services.

The Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center for the Performing Arts in Paducah, Kentucky (USA) celebrated its opening with a gala weekend in late February of this year. Performances by Vince Gill on Friday night, and the legendary guitarist B.B. King on Saturday, brought enthusiastic crowds of music fans and community supporters. Prior to these shows, however, a special group of 1,000 donors and fundraisers were given a sneak peak on the day before. One of the performers on that Thursday evening, classical violinist Craig Duncan noted "Not only does music sound great in this hall, but applause does, too," referring to the acoustics which officials have boasted about since before construction began (Associated Press).

Completed in a record two years, the Four Rivers Center houses an 1800-seat Main Hall, The River Room, Ingram's Founder's Room, Paxton Family Lobby and Riverview Terrace, and is able to host a variety of entertainment, cultural and education programs, of various sizes. Former Gov. Paul Patton, who attended the gala, said the center would benefit the entire region: "It is going to be great for all of west Kentucky and all of Kentucky," Patton said. "It will be a major, major asset as people evaluate the quality of life in the region."

Artec provided Arts Facility Design and Planning Services including auditorium design services (acoustics and theatre planning) with basic design; theatre planning services for artist support, technical support and audience areas; performance (theatre) equipment consulting services; sound & communication systems design consulting services, as well as Financial Analysis and Fundraising Counsel.

Artec is working on a new project at Utah State University (Logan, Utah, USA). The University has selected Sasaki Associates Architects from San Francisco to create a masterplan for the expansion of the campus, as part of the Ten-Year Growth Plan for the University to benefit the arts community of both the school and surrounding towns. Artec has been selected to work with Sasaki to design an intimate 400-seat recital hall for chamber music and recitals. The Dean of the University's College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Gary Kiger, has instructed the design team to achieve a world-class facility, with superlative acoustic qualities and architectural design, saying "It will be a premier performing arts facility, a model of innovative design with distinct and obvious commitment to the highest standards of quality." Expected opening for this fast-tracked project is December 2005.

Artec is providing Arts Facility Design and Planning Services for this project, which include auditorium design services (acoustics and theatre planning) with basic design; theatre planning services for artist support, technical support and audience areas; performance (theatre) equipment consulting services; and sound and communication systems design consulting services.