ABSTRACT
The Dallas Theater Center took advantage of this opportunity and scenic designer Eugene Lee designed a flexible flat floor space – the Arts District Theater. Dallas Theater Center had grown to become one of the largest regional theatres in North America and needed a new space and planning started for what became the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre. The architects rejected the conventional ground level layout of theatre buildings and created a 12-storey high block in which foyers, auditorium, production, rehearsal and office spaces are ingeniously stacked. Openings and windows permit views up and down into different parts of the theatre. The auditorium is probably the most imaginative element. It has large areas of glazing, allowing natural light and views into the room when required. It can be reconfigured into several arrangements. The elevator tops can rotate the seating wagons to face in different directions as required.
